s 



Key to 

Success 



1 






Class xL^ 'B^ 



Book 



Copyright }i"__ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



Wilso7i & Toomer 
Fertilizer Co. 



Key to Success 



'Wouldst have abundant crops reward thy toil 
And fill thy barns, O tiller of the soil ? 
Then ever keep in mind this maxim true, 
Feed well the land, and 'twill in turn feed you. 



^ 



Price, T^wenty-fi-ue Cents, Postpaid. 
Cloth Bound, Fifty Cents. 



Free Booklets 



Hoiu and When to Fertilize Citrus Trees 

Full Crops— Half Drops 

Good Fruit 

For Value Received 
(The last three issued in season) 

Lime: Its Forms and Effects 

Florida Vegetables 

Irish Potatoes 

Melons and Cucumbers 

Florida Straivberries 

Pecans 

Cotton Farming 

More Cotton — Less JVork 

Louver East Coast Section 

Ideal Fertilizers, a booklet giving the analyses, 

prices, etc., of our different brands. 



Citrus Culture for Profit. — This work covers citrus culture from selection 
of land to marketing, including latest methods of insect and disease 
.control. Cloth bound, 50 cents; paper covers, 25 cents. 

QdAtrol of Insects and Diseases in Grove, Garden and Field. — A com- 
plete treatise describing the different insects and diseases and means 
of prevention, control and remedy, including crop rotation, recipes 
for making and mixing insecticides and fungicides, directions for 
their use and description of effective spraying implements. Price 
50 cents. 



Key to Success 



General Principles 
Soil Management 

by 
N. M. G. Prange 



Wilson & Toomer Fertilizer Co. 

Publishers 



.P8 



To Our Friends 



Copyright, 1913, by 

Wilson & Toomer Fertilizer Co. 

All rights reserved 



©C/,A343941 



Preface 



Again we make our bow to the public wlio has ever re- 
ceived us so kindly. ^'Key to Success" is a fitting name 
for this little book, as it is an easily read statement of 
the general principles of soil management and conser- 
vation. 

The information is based on a personal experience in 
Florida during the past twenty-five years supplemented 
by the field experience of many others, and a study of 
all the leading authorities in this line of work. 

Thanking our many friends for their hearty co-opera- 
tion in our educational work, 

Very respectfully, 

Wilson & Toomer Fertilizer Co. 
March, 1913. 



CONTENTS 

„ » PAGE 

Preface v 

Chapter I 

Soil 1 

Chapter II 

Soil Preparation 4 

Chapter III 

Management of Different Soils 9 

Chapter IV 

Lime 13 

Chapter V 

Starting the Grove 20 

Chapter VI 

What a Fertilizer Tag Means 31 

Chapter VII 

Home Mixing 37 

Chapter VIII 

Effect of the Different Elements 41 

Chapter IX 

Fertilizer Materials . . . ., 47 

Chapter X 
Plant Constituents 56 

Chapter XI 
Fertility 63 

Chapter XII 

Insects in General 72 

Chapter XIII 

Diseases in General 77 

Chapter XIV 
Spraying 82 

VII 



Chapter I. 

Soil 

About the first point taken np by the grower who is 
starting in to ''do things right" is soil analysis. It seems 
such a simple solution of all questions on fertilization 
and such an insurance of success. "Aualvze the soil; 
compare that with the general analysis of the crop to 
be grown; buy the lacking ingredients. Why doesn't 
everyone who cares at all for success go to this slight 
trouble and expense?" Alas! the disappointment and 
(often) incredulity Avheu told the plan is not feasible; 
that the real starting i)()int is the texture of the soil ; 
that the right content of air, water, and humus for the 
greatest activity of our friendly bacteria must be se- 
cured before the best of fertilizers can bring about maxi- 
mum productiveness. 

Productiveness — That is what we Floridians like to 
talk al)()ut. Newcomers may laugh at our "sand'' but 
when they hear how much that sand produces they look at 
it with respect. With our soil and clinuite, opportunities 
are unlimited. If Florida is a ''lazy man's country" it 
is simply because the lazy man can exist here more easily 
than in a colder clime, not at all because there is not 
a chance for his energetic brother to reap full reward 
for his activities. 



2 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

• Varieties 

We have many varieties of soil, — the almost pure sand 
over coarser sand subsoil ui^on which are planted the 
largest and finest pineapple fields of the world; the 
sandy loams of various degrees of richness over subsoils 
of yellow sand, clay or marl, upon which are our mag- 
nificent citrus groves, famous melon, strawberry, and 
potato fields, Sea Island cotton, corn, and hay farms, 
and the coming i)ecan orchards. Then, to the south are 
the Everglade lands which are in a class to themselves, 
and their development is largely in the future. Since I 
confine my communications to actual facts, not hopes, 
— wdth the statement that marvelous crops have been 
made where there is a marl subsoil and drainage has 
been secured, I will drop the Everglades and go back 
to our various sandy loams. These are classed by their 
virgin growth which is influenced largely by water con- 
tent. 

The larger portion are pine lands, — "high pine," ^^heavy 
pine," and ''flat woods." The high pine is rather in- 
clined to be thirsty, but is the site of many good groves, 
especially of grapefruit which is a rather better forager 
than the orange tree. The "spruce-pine ridges" are 
similar to the high pine land. The heavy pine is lower, 
richer soil, generally has undergrowth of saw palmetto 
and is intersected by strips of cabbage palmetto which 
indicate more moisture and by savannas growing only 
grass as proof that for a considerable part of the year 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 3 

the ground is saturated, thus preventing the growth of 
any shrubs or trees. Heavy pine is good for both groves 
and gardens. When these savannas are of large expanse 
they are called '^prairies." Between the prairies and the 
pine land there is a state which induces the growth of 
hard wood and jungle-like vegetation. These tracts upon 
which are some of the finest citrus groves are called 
''hammocks." Hammock and prairie lands are exceed- 
ingly rich and produce the choicest of fruit and vege- 
tables. 

My readers must not think this is a standard classi- 
fication. Every locality makes different distinctions, but 
1 trust I have made it clear that the lands run from high, 
dry sand to low, wet soils rich in humus, and that the 
subsoil may be open or compact. Whichever land the 
prospective grower chooses he will find his choice brings 
with it both advantages and disadvantages. 




4 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

Chapter II 

Soil Preparation 

The clearing away of native growth should be done 
thoronghlv; stumps and large roots occupy yaluable 
space, interfere with cultiyation, and furnish a breeding 
place for wood lice, etc. 

Drainage — Good drainage is most essential. Xone of 
our commercial products do well on water-soaked soil. 
Open ditches are the most common means of drainage, 
but tiling is used quite extensiyely, especially in the sec- 
tions deyoted to intensiye gardening. Xo rule can be 
laid down for this work as it must be governed entirely 
by local conditions. The point is to lower the water 
table so it is at least three feet below the surface. Wide, 
shallow ditches are much better than deep, narrow ones, 
as they are equally serviceable in wet seasons, and in 
dry seasons do not make the land on their border so 
droughty. 

Plowing — Even the most enthusiastic advocates of 
deep plowing have found better results are obtained on 
heavier soil to make the first plowing shallow, — about 
three inches deep. 

Lime— There are exceptions to all rules, but generally 
new land is sour, particularly after the broken roots 
commence to decay. Crushed limestone is the most nat- 
ural and economical base we have at hand. The amount 
to be used depends upon the land; he-dYY land generally 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 5 

needs two or three tous to the acre, while one ton is 
often sufficient for light, open soil. If the clearing is 
too small to allow buying car lots of crushed limestone 
hvdrated lime can be used, but as this form is in much 
finer particles it acts more quickly and one ton per acre 
is the average application. The lime should be spread 
broadcast after plowing and harrowed in. This work is 
generally completed in the spring. 

Cover Crops — Cov>'peas, velvet beans, or beggar weed 
should be planted. In the fall, tlie cover crop should 
be mowed and dried. (Never turn under green vegeta- 
tion.) Unless a disk plow is to be used for next plowing, 
thorough work should now be done with a disk harrow, 
cutting the vines and mixing them with the soil. 

Second Plowing — A disk plow is best, but so far, 
few are used in the State. Very satisfactory results can 
be obtained with a good turn plow run as deep as the 
surface soil allows and followed in furrow with subsoil 
plow, each implem.ent drawn by double team. Most of 
our soils crumble, but on heavy soils which hold their 
form the furrow should be thrown at a JzO-degree angle. 

Harrowing — The harrow should immediately follow 
the plow to level the land that there be less exposed sur- 
face and to create a dust mulch to break capillary action. 
This conserves the moisture content. It is in the fall 
season now and our land is ready either for vegetables 
or trees, but in most cases the one comes out ahead who 
''makes haste slowly" and does not plant his trees until 
the second vear. 



6 .WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

Results Desired 

Since our lands are so varied and seasons are nnde- 
pendable, it is well for the grower to know just what 
are the results to be obtained by working the soil. The 
old idea of cultivating to kill weeds has long been cast 
aside. Land is cultivated to secure proper texture and 
the right content of air, water, and humus. These fac- 
tors are dependent one upon the other, for no one of 
them would likely be correct without the others being 
about right also. 

Texture — To be in perfect tilth, land must be a 
crumbly mass of soil grains, easily penetrated by feed- 
ing roots, admitting enough air but not too much, and 
holding a large amount of cai)illary water. The deeper 
in the soil this condition is maintained, the greater re- 
sources at the command of the plant. Vegetable growers 
and farmers should plow deep every fall, but the grove- 
maker must depend upon first preparation and constant 
attention to surface conditions. However, his trees are 
continuously on the ground and with their extensive 
root systems keep the underground right if given a 
chance for a good start. Working wet ground, especially 
in summer time, causes it to pack and sour. Often, the 
harm done by one ill-advised cultivation will show its 
effects for two or three years. Similar effects occur when 
particles are too fine, — so very fine there is practically 
no room for air or water in the soil. Such condition 
can be overcome by working when in right stage of mois- 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 7 

ture, especially if lime is added to induce ''tlocculation," 
— the gathering together of fine particles to make a soil 
grain. This trouble is found particularly among clay 
soils. Our new land is inclined to be too coarse and raw. 
No treatment can bring it into right texture immedi- 
ately; it takes time and cultivation to accomplish this. 

Air — Air in the soil is necessary for the respiration of 
the roots and the development of our friendly bacteria. 
It is also important in promoting chemical changes. 
Many of these are forms of oxidation and through them 
much plant food becomes available. This is especially 
noticeable in the formation of nitrates as taken up under 
"Bacteria." It will also be seen that the air supply 
determines through its influence on bacteria, whether 
organic matter becomes plant food or plant poison. Too 
much air allows a drying-out of the soil, thereby de- 
creasing the water suppl}^ of the plant. 

Water — Capillary water is that held in films around 
the soil grains and is the ideal form of soil moisture. 
The smaller the soil grains the more surface they pre- 
sent, therefore, to a certain extent, the more water held 
by capillarity; and the more water in contact with the 
soil, the greater amount of plant food brought into avail- 
ability. Free water, or ground water, is that which 
would run off if given a chance. It fills the spaces be- 
tween the soil grains, thereb}^ shutting out the air and 
bringing on the many troubles caused by such conditions. 
Such water should not be allowed within three feet of 
the surface. 



8 WILSON & TOOMEK FEIITILIZEU COMPANY 

Humus — Humus increases the water storage by absorp- 
tion and also b}' its particles being finer than the sand 
particles, which are the bulk of our soils. Bv holding 
the water it saves from leaching any plant food the 
water has in solution and also keeps the land from ex- 
cessive heat in summer. It regulates the air supply, as 
it fills in coarse soils and opens up fine ones; it is 
a source of plant food, particularly of our most expen- 
sive element, nitrogen; and is both a food and a dwell- 
ing place for bacteria. The content of humus decides a 
soil's fertility. That there be no misunderstanding, I 
will explain: ^>getable matter, though popularly called 
humus, is not humus until properly decomposed ; the 
peat-like substances found in some swamps, though of 
vegetable origin, are not humus and neither are they 
fertile. Humus is the fine dark dust of the soil; it is 
easily used by plants and much of it is drained away. 
The addition of humus nmtter to soil is necessary not 
alone for building up the soils but to preserve their nat- 
ural fertility. The great crops we produce impoverish 
the land just as surely as drawing checks lessens a bank 
account. Right management of the soil makes the fer- 
tility greater each year. 



[DEAL FEKTILIZEIIS 



Chapter III 

Management of Different Soils 

The high, sand land is invaluable for pineapples since 
they demand an extremely open soil. However, the pine- 
apple is a vigorous feeder and large quantities of organic 
fertilizers must be used and the soil kept free from 
crusted surface or weeds by frequent working Avith the 
scuffle hoe. 

Light, Dry Land — The citrus grower, on high pine or 
spruce-pine lands, has no worry about drainage but must 
make a continuous struggle to conserve moisture and 
to build up the humus content. The subsoil is likely to 
be open, tending to leaching; probably the lime has 
already been leached away. He should apply crushed 
limestone or hydrated lime for plant food and general 
soil conditions, but especially for a partial cementing 
of the soil particles at the ''plow sole," thus making the 
drainage less rapid. Such land should be plowed at 
equal depth every year that the pressure of the plow 
make this plow sole. This jdowing should be done in 
early spring and followed by shallow harrowing to keep 
a dust mulch over the surface. About the middle of May 
the summer application of fertilizer should be put on 
and cowpeas or velvet beans planted in drills so the cul- 
tivation can be continued until the rains come or until 



10 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

the vines cover the ground. In the fall, the vines should 
be mowed and when dry worked into the soil with a 
disk harrow. The fertilizers used for young trees and 
spring application on bearing trees should have an or- 
ganic content. This should be of tankage or Peruvian 
guano — not cotton seed meal. By this method of culti- 
vation the land will become heavier and darker and less 
thirsty every year, for the humus content will be in- 
creased. In starting young trees special attention should 
be paid to establishing a deep root system. With all 
these precautions, undoubtedly the difference in grow^th 
and fruit secured by irrigation would make an irriga- 
tion plant a most profitable investment. 

Heavy, Wet Land — A direct opposite condition to the 
above is found in the groves Avhere the water table comes 
within three feet of the surface. A natural growth of 
grass soon occurs on such land and this is allowed pos- 
session of the middles. Circles should be hoed around 
the trees and covered with heavy mulching. Strictly 
chemical fertilizers are adapted to this soil. They can 
be spread broadcast and left for the rains to carry down ; 
there will be no waste. All the land will have to be 
worked for about three years after clearing to reduce 
the virgin growth and to secure right physical condi- 
tions, but great care must be taken not to puddle the 
soil by disturbing it when too wet, especially in hot 
weather. Such land invariably needs extensive drainage, 
and even then would be too wet during the summer rains 
were it not for the vast amount of water thrown off by 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 11 

the transpiration of the grass. Although the land is 
so wet during rainy seasons the trees soon feel the effects 
of a drouth, since the roots are necessarily so near the 
surface. To help toward conserving the moisture, when 
rains cease the grass should be mowed and left broad- 
cast. By this, too, the natural humus content is kept 
up and all fertilizer used by the grass, the most impor- 
tant part of which (nitrates) would otherwise have 
leached away, is given back to the soil. Generally, irri- 
gation is not used on these low lands, but some growers 
contend that the benefits gained in a diw season more 
than offset the expense. 

I suppose someone is asking if the grass helps to evapo- 
rate the water from wet soils why does not the cover 
crop make the dry soil drier? The cover crop has not 
nearly so great a leaf surface as a heavy growth of grass ; 
and, too, the grains of sand are such extremely good con- 
ductors of heat the ground would soon be hot enough 
to dry out the little -soil moisture and to fairly burn the 
tender roots were it not for the shade afforded. Many 
things in agriculture seem on the surface to be contra- 
dictory, but a little study makes the matter plain. Heavy 
applications of lime are almost sure to be needed on 
low, wet soils. Any convenient form can be used. 

Other Soils — Between these two extremes of grove cul- 
ture there are all gradations. Each grower must decide 
by actual results just what degree of cultivation applies 
best to his circumstances; texture of soil, humus, and 
moisture always receiving due consideration. 



12 WILSON & too:mer fertilizer company 

Vegetables — Vegetable's do not prosper on the lightest 
soils but the yields on our heavy lands are almost in- 
credible. Not alone one crop, but two or three can be 
produced over winter with a hay crop in summer from 
natural growth. Eich, sandy loams with heavy subsoil, 
are adapted to strawberries, melons, and Irish potatoes, 
while the pecan grove and diversified farming prosper 
.best on the heaviest of loams with clav subsoil. 




IDEAL FERTILIZERS 13 



Chapter IV 

Lime 

We are all interested in lime as a base. Most of onr 
soils are acid and we wonder what form of lime to nse, 
how mnch, and when to apply. All forms of free lime 
eventnally revert to carbonate of lime, the form fonnd 
in the original limestone. 

Crushed Limestone — This, as the name signifies, is the 
natnral limestone crnslied. Tt is the best and most eco- 
nomical form to nse on onr sandy loams ; best, becanse 
it is the nearest like a natnral deposit; economical, be- 
canse it lias had no expensiye preparation and can be 
sold clieap in bnlk by car lots of fifteen or more tons. 
Two or three tons ])er acre is the nsnal application. 
Under ordinary conditions this amonnt Ayill pnt the land 
in good growing condition and leaye enongh snrplns to 
meet cnrrent demands for abont fonr years. It has been 
estimated that the nsnal chemical reacticms taking place 
in fertile soil canse a loss each year of abont 500 ponnds 
of lime jfer acre. 

Quick, Caustic or "Rock" Lime — Rock lime is made 
by bnrning limestone. The carbon dioxide is driven ont 
by intense heat. One hnndred ponnds of limestone make 
fifty-six pounds of rock lime which fnrnislies the same 
amount of base as the original one hundred pounds of 



14 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

limestone. Kock lime is sometimes used on extremely 
plastic (sticky) clay soils, but should not be applied to 
ordinary soils as its violent action burns out the humus. 

Hydrated or Water=Slaked Lime — Hydrated lime is 
rock lime combined with about one-third its weight of 
water; therefore, seyenty-four ])()un(ls are equal in basic 
qualities to fifty-six i)ounds of the rock lime or one hun- 
dred pounds of limestone. If, for the purpose of saying 
freight rock lime is purchased, it should be water-slaked 
before api)lication. This can be done by putting it in 
piles of three or four bushels scattered oyer the field 
and covering the piles with four or fiye inches of damp 
earth. For best results, leave it for several days rather 
than to hasten the slaking by applying all the needed 
water at once. The best commercial hydrated lime comes 
in 40-11). paper bags. It is put up in this way to pre- 
vent air-slaking. About one ton of hydrated lime is 
used per acre. It acts more readily than crushed lime- 
stone because of its particles being so much finer, but 
though the ton application may give as good results 
the first year as a three-ton application of crushed lime- 
stone, its effects on the land will be seen less than half 
as long. 

Air=Slaked or Carbonate of Lime — As said above, all 
forms of free lime eventually revert to carbonate of lime. 
If rock and hydrated lime are exposed to the air they 
gradually take on carbon dioxide until fully combined. 
Air-slaked lime is exactly the same chemically as lime- 
stone and has the same value as base; however, its physi- 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 15 

cal form being so much finer, allows quicker action and 
the general application of air-slaked lime is about a ton 
per acre, thus another application will be needed much 
sooner than when crushed limestone is used. The eco- 
nomical buyer does not purchase air-slaked lime, for 
it costs as much per ton as the hvdrated and the same 
freight, yet it is really worth only three-fourths as much. 

Miscellaneous Forms — Sulphate of. lime, gypsum, or 
land i)laster, is not a base but is most valuable in in- 
ducing chemical changes that bring latent plant food 
(potash in particular) into availability. Superphosphate 
and dissolved boiieblack are about two-thirds sulphate 
of lime, and one-third phosphate of lime. Sulphate of 
lime combines with free ammonia, fixing it as sulphate 
of ammonia. Unleached wood ashes contain about 35 
per cent, carbonate of lime, and Basic Slag is popularly 
believed to carry about 33i per cent, of free lime, but 
Dr. Van Slyke, Chemist of the Agricultural Experiment 
Station of New York, says that though there is about 
a 35 per cent, content of calcium, "generally less than 
two and often less than one per cent, is present as 
calcium oxide or so-called free lime, while the amount 
of carbonate is insignificant." 

Free lime must not be mixed with fertilizer, as it 
causes a waste of ammonia. Lime should not be used 
on Irish potato land ; it makes conditions favorable for 
scab. Lime around cabbage, etc., keeps down club root, 
and on sweet potato ground has been found most effective 
in reducing soil rot of sweet potatoes. 



16 WILSON & TU0:MER FEUTILIZEK COMPANY 

When to Apply — ^Wlien land needs liming, the best 
time to pnt the lime on is es soon as the labor can be 
secured if it is at least three or four weeks before an 
application of fertilizer or two weeks after. With this 
precaution, land can be limed at am^ time convenient 
to the grower ; however, when it can be so arranged, 
probablv early August is the most desirable time for 
application, as the summer fertilizer is well incorpo- 
rated with the soil so there will be no waste througli 
contact of fertilizer and lime on surface of ground, and 
the nitrates formed will be taken up by the cover crop 
and the September growth of the trees. 

Too Much Lime? — Too great alkalinity is detrimen- 
tal, but the dangerous alkali salts are based ''mainly on 
soda with a small content of potash and usually a little 
lime and magnesia." Black alkali is mainly carbonate 
of soda, while white alkali, which is less injurious, is 
principally sulphate of soda. With our bounteous rain- 
fall and open soil there is not the least danger of our 
forming an "alkali desert" by any applications Ave might 
make. The soda left from nitrate of soda is beneficial 
to us, not detrimental. In clay lands where nitrate of 
soda is used in excess it packs the soil, but only in arid 
regions does "alkali" accumulate. As against "alkali," 
note the limestone regions. It is proverbial that "a lime- 
stone country is a rich country." Imagine any applica- 
tion of limestone approaching the amount of these nat 
ural deposits ! 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 17 

At the recent citrus seminar ^Iv. Collison, Chemist of 
the AgTiciiltural Experiment Station, Avho is making a 
particnhir study of soil chemistry and fertilizers, made 
the statement that though he could not give the maxi- 
mum amount of crushed limestone which might be ap- 
plied without harm ''ten tons per acre did not approach 
the danger line/' Both Professor Rolfs, Director, and 
Captain Rose, ^^tate Chemist, two men eminently fitted 
by education and wide experience to pass upon Florida 
conditions, agreed to liis statement. Dean Vernon, of 
the College of Agriculture, Dr. Flint, Chemist, and Major 
Floyd, Horticulturist of the University of Florida, and 
mauA' other scientists, as well as our oldest and most 
successful growers say we do not use near enough lime 
and that there is no i)robal)ility of there being too mucli 
crushed limestone api»lied to the general Florida soil. 
Hopkins, of the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Sta- 
tion, menticms a ten-ton ])er acre application as likely 
to be beneficial rather than detrimental, while Hilgard, 
King, Bailey, Van Slyke, and in fact, all agricultural 
chemists, em])hasize the value of plenty of base "prefer- 
abh^ carbonate of liuie.'' With this unanimity of all real 
authorities I think we may rest easy about the question 
of too much lime, especially as none of us are going to 
use even five tons per acre. It is to be hoped, though, 
that the application of two or three tons per acre of 
crushed limestone followed every four years by at least 
another ton is going to become general, as our lands 
need this much base. 



18 WILSON & too:mer fertilizer company 

other Uses of Lime 

Lime is one of the essentials of plant growth. It is 
nsed to strengthen the cell walls, and with potash, aids 
in the moving of organized plant foods — starch, sugar, 
etc., — within the ])lant. The word ''organized" is nsed 
in this instance to distinguish the "digested" sap or com- 
bined substances from the "raw" sap, or separate ele- 
ments. Van Blyke, in his extensive study of the relation 
of lime to plant growth, found lime to be most abundant 
where there Avas the greatest activity; that ''leaves use 
over fifteen times as much as fruit;" and that the least 
lime is found where "manufactured foods are stored and 
in dead parts such as old wood." Without doubt, more 
lime is used as a direct plant food than is generally sup- 
posed, and it also has decidedly beneficial effects (m 
soil texture. 

Lime makes clay soils more open and sandy soils more 
compact. It aids in the decomposition of organic matter 
through creating conditions favorable for the rapid mul- 
tiplication of bacteria. It, in a measure, replaces potash 
in unavailable soil compounds and often induces a union 
with the phosphoric acid of insoluble iron phosphates, 
thus bringing both potash and phosphoric acid into avail- 
ability. 

Because of this soil exhaustion it used to be said that 
lime made "rich fathers and poor sons," but we now 
have learned to reap the good and avoid the evil. 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 19 



Conservation of Soil 



While every effort should be made to induce bacterial 
and chemical activity because of the effects upon the 
general condition of the soil it must be remembered that 
if a plant uses the released plant foods and is taken 
away, or if the soluble plant foods are lost in the drain- 
age waters, the land has given up just so much of its 
resources. The wise manager keeps up or adds to the 
natural humus content and applies the mineral elements 
in the form of commercial fertilizers to replace more 
than the amount used by the plant. He fertilizes his 
crop, not the soil, giving extra amounts of the essential 
especially lacking, thus })roviding certainly available 
nourishment for his plants and constantly building up 
a more fertile and better balanced soil. 

In relation to the plant, soil should not be considered 
as a pasture through which rootlets may pick their way, 
gathering a morsel here and there, but instead, as a 
comfortable environment providing shelter and abundant 
supplies. In relation to its owner, soil should be con- 
sidered as a bank. It is not how much we can get out 
of the soil that affects our prosperity, but how much we 
put in. The better the soil, the better the crops that can 
be made from it, so the grower should always leave a 
little more than he takes. The immediate profit should 
come from the plants, which, if managed right, give us 
so much for the little they take. In no way is the world- 
noted "American Improvidence" shown more forcibly 
than in the widespread inattention to soil conservation 
and upbuilding. 



20 WILSON & TOOMEK FEKTILIZEK COMPANY 



Chapter V 

Starting the Qrove 

For the benetit of those who may not have read the 
foregoing carefully I will indulge in a little recai)itu- 
lation. 

Clear the land thoroughly; old stumps are in the way 
of cultivation, create more or less acidity and invite 
Avood lice, which, at any time may conclude that they 
prefer to live upon the tender young citrus trees. 

Drainage is essential. There is absolutely no use in 
trying to raise a profitable grove on water-soaked land. 
Where Nature has not furnished this drainage, provide 
for it before planting the trees. On such land as this 
the grower reaps the greatest benefit from raising a crop 
of cowpeas or velvet beans before setting his grove. 

Liming the land will in almost every instance prove 
a good investment and in most cases is really necessary 
for profitable results. An application of two or three 
tons per acre of crushed liuiestone is a most economical 
and satisfactory way to meet this requirement. The 
exceptions to needing liuie would be in some limestone 
regions and where there is a marl subsoil about a foot 
below the surface. In such cases Nature has already 
supplied the lime. 

What to Plant — A grapefruit tree bears younger than 
an orange tree, and since each fruit is so much larger. 



IDEAL FEKTIIJZEKS 21 

the niiiiiber of boxes is greatly increased when eqnal 
numbers of fruit are borne. Much of the time grape- 
fruit sells for more per box. The prospective grower 
at first thinks there can be no question as to his pref- 
erence, — quicker returns on investment, less cost per box 
for production, higher nmrket, — all in favor of grape- 
fruit. Then he learns that many others have come to 
the same decision, and that at the i:>resent time there 
are hundreds of acres more grai)efruit than oranges not 
yet in bearing. He considers that though grapefruit is 
so popular as a breakfast food and the demand for it is 
so deservedly increasing, nothing v>'ill ever appeal to the 
human family lik^ the orange, — oranges for breakfast, 
dinner, and supper and between meals, nothing more 
healthful or more appetizing,^ — and he will wisely decide 
to have both of these delicious fruits. 

Varieties — There are a bewildering number of varie- 
ties, each with good points, but for strictly financial in- 
vestment the choice rests with a few. I think however 
enthusiastic anyone may be over some particular fruit, 
all experienced groAvers will agree that the greater num- 
ber of successes have been made from the varieties named 
below. 

The Duncan grapefruit is oblate in form, of medium 
size, attractive in appearance and of fine flavor. It bears 
freely but not in such close clusters as to mar the fruit. 
It is desirable in every way. 

The Parson Brown is an orange medium to large in 
size, yelloAV in color, sometimes with orange tinge, rind 



22 WILSON & TOOMEK FERTILIZER COMPANY 

smooth aud bright. It is matured in October and No- 
vember and if it is not gathered soon, loses its flavor. 
Often, the fruit will be ripe and sweet when the rind is 
still green. 

The Pineapple orange is oval to round in shape, of 
medium to large size, has deep rich orange color, often 
with reddish tinge. The rind is most attractive, being 
very bright, smooth and glossy. The juice is abundant 
and of excei)tionally good flavor. Its season is about 
January or February, but it can be held later. . The new 
groves set by old growers show a very large percentage 
of this variety. 

The Valencia Late and Hart's Late are so near alike 
their best friends make little or no distinction between 
them. They are round or slightly oval in form, medium 
to large in size, of deep golden color, with thin, smooth, 
tough rind. They are ver}' j^^i^W and have a rich flavor 
with such a combination of acidity and sweetness as to 
be especially pleasing during the spring months, — March 
to June, — when they are in season. 

The Dancy tangerine is the most satisfactory orange 
of the Mandarin family. It is obhite in form, medium 
size, deep orange red, smooth, shiny rind which is easily 
removed; its sections separate readily and the flesh is 
dark orange in color, coarse grained, juicy, and has 
scarcely any rag. Flavor is rich, season December and 
January. 

Special favorites are generally planted for home pleas- 
ure. The King of the Mandarin family is as delicious 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 23 

as its exterior is unattractive. The Ruby Blood is most 
luscious and is especially interesting because its flesh 
is first yellow, then streaked with red and finally becomes 
blood red when fully ripe. The Washington Nayel is 
also a novelty because of the secondai\y orange in the 
blossom end, giving it the navel-like appearance, and 
is delicious to the taste. Many other varieties have some 
specially good points but are in some way not desirable 
as commercial propositions. 

Stock — The sour orange stock has proved itself best 
adapted to all kinds of soil and most resistant to dis- 
eases. It is almost immune to foot rot so prevalent on 
sweet orange or rough lemon stock. Grapefruit stock 
promises well and is highly favored by many, but it has 
not been so thoroughly tested as the sour orange. It 
roots extremely deep and is best suited to our higher 
lands. So far there has not been shown to be any differ- 
ence between grapefruit and sour orange stock as to 
vigor of trees or quality of fruit. 

Size — There is a difterence in opinion as to the best 
age of trees set. To the investor who has plenty of 
capital it is a great temptation to pay a higher price 
and get a nice, big tree with a two-year-old bud, but it 
has been the experience of the greater number that a two- 
or three-year-old stock with a one-year-old bud stands 
transplanting better than the older trees, and when put 
side by side will be larger and thriftier two years after 
setting. 

Nurserv stock should be neither forced nor stunted 



24 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

and should be grown on a lighter, drier soil than in the 
l>roi)osed grove rather than on heavier, wetter land. 

When to Set Trees — The best time to set trees is from 
the middle of ^November to the middle of February, 
though with proper handling it is safe to move an orange 
tree at almost any time. Trees must be kept damp from 
the taking-up until they are set in the ground. Many 
a tree gets its death stroke between the nursery and the 
grove, though it may struggle along some months before 
it finally succuml>s. 

Pruning — Do not make the mistake of trying to keep 
too much top. The top should be cut off about one and 
a lialf or two feet above the ground. The roots should 
be cut to about a foot in length, with the tap root about 
one and a half feet. The ends should be cut smooth, not 
broken or cruslied. 

Distance — There are many opinions in regard to what 
is the most profitable space for a tree. My personal pref- 
erence is to have orange trees twenty, and grapefruit 
trees twenty-five feet ai)art in rows thirty feet wide. 
When well grown the branches will meet in the rows, 
but a team can pass between the rows. For economy and 
effectiveness of lal)or, it is necessary to use teams, which 
would be impossible in groves set much closer than this. 
The closely set groves yield a much greater income the 
first few years at least. Their advocates say they con- 
tinue to do so, but all the owners of old closely set 
groves I have seen, wish they had more space. Many 
prospective growers have it figured out on paper that 



IDEAL FERTILTZERS 25 

they could aiford to cut down every otlier tree when the 
grove is eight or ten years old, but unfortunately, tlie 
profits on citrus culture show to just the same advantage 
on paper as conii)ared with real practice as do the profits 
on any other kind of business. The man who said '"fig- 
ures don't lie" never figured out any financial propo- 
sition dependent upon labor and climatic conditions, and 
then tried to make actual practice match his figures. 

Final Preparation — Low ground should be plowed into 
beds the width of the rows before setting the stakes to 
mark places for the trees. Shallow cultivation should 
immediately follow the plowing and be repeated after 
every rain. The land should be left to settle at least 
a month before planting. If some hard rains come, so 
much the better. Care should be taken to set the stakes 
exact, — in straight rows and equal distance apart. 
Around each stake spread a peck of hardwood ashes. 
When tlie hole is dug the ashes will become thoroughly 
mixed with the soil.. 

Holes — Pull the dirt from around the stake with a 
hoe, leaving the ground in the shape of an inverted sau- 
cer, the bottom edge being a foot deep. Drive a stake 
in the ground to make a hole for the tap root. 

Setting the Trees — Place the tree in the hole and 
spread the roots evenly. If a root is longer than the 
width of the hole allows do not pinch off the end or 
turn it to one side, as so many do, but dig out a place 
for it to extend full length in a natural position. Set 
the tree an inch higher than it was in the nursery as it 



26 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

will settle some, and a tree set too low never prospers. 
Pull part of the dirt over the roots and ponr in a bucket 
of water, holding the bucket at least two feet above the 
ground so the water Avill fall with force. Pull more dirt 
around the trees and pack tightly, mounding up a little 
in the shape of a saucer. Pour on another bucket of 
water and then mulch with drv dirt to prevent evapora- 
tion. There should be no delay in the work from the 
time the dirt is tirst disturbed until the mulching is in 
place, thus preserving the natural moisture of the soil. 

Care — The trees will need no further attention for 
several weeks unless the season is especially dry, in 
which case water should be given very si)aringly until 
the rains come. The dry mulch should be replaced eacli 
time the trees are watered. Too much water will cause 
the soil to sour and give the trees a serious setback. 

Fertilizer — It Avill be noted that I advise no fertilizer 
at time of jHanting. About the first of February, or 
when the new growth starts, give each tree a pound of 
a formula cariying about five per cent, of ammonia, six 
per cent, phosphoric acid and five per cent, potash, de- 
rived from nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, tank- 
age or Peruvian guano, superphosphate or dissolved bone- 
black and sulphate of potash ; or, if the land is especially 
low and heavy, use a strictly chemical formula carrying 
less ammonia and more potash, — about a 4-6-8 analysis. 

In June and September two more applications of one 
pound of fertilizer can be made. The second year the 
trees should use two pounds of fertilizer at each appli- 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 27 

cation, and the third year three pounds. After this 
the amount can be rapidly increased if the trees are 
doing well, for the fourth year should find them com- 
mencing to bear fruit. 

Training — Generally speaking, the citrus tree knows 
better how it wants to grow than does the one who in- 
terferes with its development. It does not hurt it to 
bear fruit young, as is the case Avith many other fruit 
trees. All sprouts below the bud should be rubbed off, 
but the sprouts above the bud should be left unless they 
seem especially crowded, in which case it will be best 
to pinch otf the tops of some of the shoots. After the 
trees get well started they may need ''shaping up" a 
little, but no extensive pruning should be done. Dead 
wood is a great source of infection ; if any occurs it 
should be removed, the cut being made back to an elbow 
and left a smooth slant. 

Cultivation — Young trees should be hoed deep so as to. 
make the roots strike down. The middles can be plowed 
in spring. Cultivation should be kept up all through 
the dry season to conserve moisture. When the summer 
rains commence the ground should be covered either with 
natural growth of grass or weeds or a planted cover 
crop. My personal clioice of cover crops would be cow- 
peas. This growth must not be allowed to '^smother" 
the roots of the trees. There should be a heavy mulch 
of dead vegetation for at least three feet from the trunk. 
This mulch must not touch the trunk of the tree or wood 
lice will be likely to nest there. When the weather gets 



28 WILSON & TOOMEIi FERTILIZER COMPANY 

cool the inulcliiug .should be di-awii away to allow all 
the warmth possible to reach the young roots. The cover 
crop can either be allowed to die down naturally as the 
season is over or be mowed and left broadcast to be 
disked in before next plowing. Never work the soil when 
saturated with water or during the heat of summer, and 
never plow in green vegetation. These are three causes 
for acid soils. 

Insects and Diseases — If the above precautions are 
taken in tlie preparatiim of land and its cultivaticm there 
Avill likely be no diseases att'ecting the young trees, as 
the troubles of young citrus trees are almost invariably 
due to lack of care, but they must be watched closely 
for insects. Sometimes ants or grasshoppers eat part 
of the foliage and occasionally there will be found a 
great ugly worm called the ''orange dog'' which is a 
voracious eater and makes a young tree look ragged in 
a short time, but none of these troubles are likel}" to be 
of any great moment. 

The nests of the ants should be broken up by making 
holes into them by thrusting down a pointed stick and 
into each hole pouring a tablespoonful of bisulphide of 
carbon (which is very intlammable), covering each hole 
immediately with tightly i)acked earth. Grasshoppers 
can be killed by scattering around the trees bait made 
as follows : One i)art Paris green, two parts salt, forty 
parts horse manure by measure, and water sufficient to 
make it soft without being sloppy. Grasshoppers show 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 29 

a great fondness for moist horse manure. Orange dogs 
must be hand picked. 

The serious pest of young trees is the scale. Procure 
a lens and examine any roughness found on trunk, twigs 
or leaves. If whitefly is in your section that must be 
controlled also. Luckily the same spray is etfective for 
both Avhitetiy and scale, but the spray must be directed 
to the infested areas. Whitefly lives on the under side 
of the leaves ; scales are anywhere they happen to settle, 
but are generally more numerous on the trunk and 
branches. Both are sucking insects and must be killed 
Avith contact insecticides. Yothers' Formula No. 3 is 
the best mixture for this purpose known at the present 
time, as it not only kills all the insects it hits but re- 
mains on the trees several weeks in sufticient strength 
to kill newly hatched larva\ It is made as follows: 
Three measures Diamond ParafUne Oil, two of whale-oil 
soap and one of water. While rapidly beating the soap 
add the oil, a few drops at a time. It should form a 
creamy emulsion. Gradually add the water as the beat- 
ing is continued. Test for perfect emulsion by putting a 
little in a glass of water. If free oil forms on the sur- 
face the mixture must be beaten longer and perhaps a 
little more soap added. When thoroughly emulsified use 
one part of this stock solution to fifty parts of water. 
To have the greatest efl'ect spraying should be done soon 
after the young are hatched. 

Criticisms — The above is not the only way to set a 
grove. Probably there is not a citrus grower in the State 



30 ^YILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

but Avoiild (litter from me in some particular ; but I have 
given Avliat in a safe metliocl for the inex})erienced grove- 
mailer to folloAv. I would ask those who specially difl'er 
to put the method tliev would propose to these two tests : 
Would it suit general conditions, or is it specially 
adapted to one particular locality? Could a person en- 
tirely unacquainted with the nature of the citrus tree 
successfully carry out the plan, or does it require the 
judgment gained only from years of experience? An 
experienced citrus grower can safely push young trees 
much faster than a novice should attempt. 




IDEAL FERTILIZERS 31 

Chapter VT 

What a Fertilizer Tag Means 

Captain Kose, our efficient State Chemist, says : "A fer- 
tilizer tag is intended to mean just what it says — how 
many pounds of valuable plant food are contained in 
the package, and what materials are used in its manu- 
facture." Tliis is the kernel of the nut. The fertilizer 
tag means what it says, not what if implies. The word- 
ing below is taken from a model tag. 

W. & T.'s 

Special Mixture No. 1 

Manufactured by 

Wilson & Toomer Fertilizer Co. 

Manufacturers of iiie Celebrated "IDEAL FERTILIZERS" 

200 POUNDS JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS 

Moisture at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, not exceeding 8 per cent. 

Available Pliosphoric Acid, not less than 6 per cent. 

Insoluble Pliosphoric Acid, not less than 1 per cent. 

Ammonia, actual and potential, not less than 5 per cent. 

(Derived from Sulphate of Ammonia. Nitrate of Soda and Tankage) 

Potash (K20) Water Soluble, not less than 5 per cent. 

Chlorine, not exceeding 1 per cent. 

This fertilizer is made from Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, 
Tanliage, Superphosphate, and Sulphate of Potash. 

It is well to pay attention to the brand name. Each 
fertilizer company sends ont many different formulas 



32 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

suited to different purposes and the brand name is a 
short, simple way to give full description of the exact 
formula. It means certain proportions of certain mate- 
rials as shown on the tag attached to the fertilizer sack. 

The name of the manufacturers means just what they 
have nmde it mean. Like all classes of people, some natu- 
rally want to give their customers a fair deal, others 
see the policy in doing so, while others skim just as, 
near to the edge of the law as they dare. Florida is to 
be congratulated on the high standard maintained by 
her fertilizer people and on the means she has taken to 
protect honest manufacturers and the consumers, but 
it is not alone honesty that determines the value of 
the manufacturer's name. Analysis and sources deter- 
mine the market value of fertilizer, but the practical 
value is largely influenced by proportions and combina- 
tions. Some manufacturers are keener than others to 
see just what gives best results or will work harder to 
bring those results about. The personal factor has the 
same influence in the fertilizer business as in everything 
else. 

The number of pounds tells the amount put into the 
sack at the time of fllling. 

The guaranteed analysis tells the amount of actual 
plant food, the moisture content as an indicator of physi- 
cal condition, and the chlorine content to protect the 
grower of such crops as are harmed by chlorine. 

The fertilizer is sold on the basis of its actual content 
of i^hosphoric acid, ammonia and potash. Six per cent. 



IDEAL FP]RTIL1ZEKS 33 

of phosphoric acid means that six pounds of the actual 
phosphoric acid are in every hundred pounds of fertilizer, 
or 120 pounds in every ton. When the grower first looks 
into this he is likely to reckon up the actual plant food, 
which on the above tag would amount to 340 pounds 
and begin to talk about 1000 pounds filler. He will "buy 
his fertilizer materials and mix them himself before he 
will pay for so much sand!" But when he begins to 
figure on these fertilizer materials he finds that to get the 
120 pounds i^lioJ^plioric acid he must buy 750 pounds 
superphosphate, that his sources of ammonia run from 
6^ to 25 per cent., and that high-grade sulphate of potash 
carries only 19 per cent, actual plant food. In fact, 
that the materials necessary to supply this analysis 
easily make up the 2000 pounds. 

The buyer should note whether the term "■Available 
Phosphoric Acid" is used and not accept a guarantee of 
''Phosphoric Acid" or "Total Phosphoric Acid" alone un- 
less the source is of an organic nature, — tankage, bone, 
guano, etc. One exception to this rule would be in the 
case of Thomas Phosphate Powder, as it is always sold 
under guarantee of total phosphoric acid, but this mate- 
rial is seldom used in formulas. After taking this pre- 
caution, he can be assured he is getting all the plant food 
represented for 'Svoe be unto" the manufacturer giving 
short measure. Captain Rose and his inspectors would 
catch up with him before he got well started in such 
methods. 

But in the last paragraph there are sometimes pitfalls 



34 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

for the umvary. You will note on this model tag there 
is a distinct statement in regard to the nmterials used. 
It gives definite information. If in addition to this state- 
ment there were the words ''and other ingredients" the 
whole guarantee of its sources Avould be practically 
broken down, for any of the sources named could be used 
in small quantities and any "other ingredients" suited 
to the manufacturer's convenience could be used. It 
would be possible under this wording to supply a largely 
organic fertilizer under seemingly purely chemical repre- 
sentation, or vice versa. Or again, if in place of "tank- 
age" the words "organic matter" were used, that organic 
matter could be tankage or guano to be sure, but it also 
could be am^ organic material supplying available am- 
monia, from treated garbage or leather and avooI waste 
to all forms of vegetable matter, — cotton seed meal, cas- 
tor meal, etc. The tag "means what it says." 

But what is back of the tag? Not only the manufac- 
turer but the State. Our fertilizer law is very strict and 
closely followed up by the State officials. Inspectors 
are constantly over the State, drawing samples from fer- 
tilizers offered for sale. Any sack of fertilizer sent out, 
even to the most remote flag station, is likely to come 
within their investigations. Besides this there is a pro- 
vision for "Special Samples" which can be drawn by 
the consumer and sent to the State Laboratory for analy- 
sis free of cost. To protect the manufacturer there are 
certain rules and regulations (sent by the Department 
of Agriculture, Tallahassee), under which this sample 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 85 

must be drawn, but tliev are easy to follow and there 
is no excuse for the buyer to be in doul)t as to whether 
he is getting a '\square deal." Florida is the only State 
giving her citizens this protection which is equally valu- 
able to manufacturers and consumers. 

Who pays for this inspection? The manufacturer pri- 
marily, as he buys the stamps and affixes them, but 
eventually the consumer, as in everything else. The cost 
is very slight per ton,— only twenty-five cents, — ^but 
since 183,437.84 tons of commercial fertilizer were used 
in the State in 1911 the aggregate of stamp sales for fer- 
tilizer was the tidy sum of |45,851).4G. 

In Captain Kose's Report for 1909, he shows that under 
this law which was first enforced in 1901, the goods put 
upon the market increased in actual value more than 
ten per cent., many unreliable brands being driven from 
the State. In the year 1909 this ten per cent, of the 
selling price of fertilizer together with feeds, which are 
protected in the same way, amounted to |(357,840. That 
is, the consumers of fertilizers and feeds in Florida were 
given |C)57,840 more for their mcmey than they would 
have received had the law not been enacted. The stamps 
for this year cost the consumers itf5(),792, leaving over 
|600,000 clear gain in a single year. 

The sale of inspection stamps for fertilizer and feed 
in 1912 amounted to |82,820.55 and the inspection cost 
the State |15,257.41, leaving a credit to the General 
Revenue Fund of |67,5G3.14. 



36 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

The agriculturist pays this in the main, for he uses 
all fertilizer and the greater share of the feed. Yet 
with all this surplus he is very modest in his demands 
upon the State Funds. 

He needs to have his workers at the State Experiment 
Station better paid, so that other States cannot take them 
from us when the}^ reach the point where they can be of 
greatest service. He needs more funds to print matter 
that has been compiled for his benefit, — matter of untold 
value to him that is lying in manuscript inactive upon the 
shelves. He needs more workers, for there are problems 
of immense economic value that are unconsidered for 
lack of men. He needs more Farmers' Institutes, a 
yearly demonstration train, support for the Horticul- 
tural Society that is, and the Agricultural and Live Stock 
Societies that ought to be. He needs the work of nur 
sery inspection enlarged and a horticultural law suiting 
our conditions gradually built up and enforced. He 
needs, — oh, there is no use trying to tell all the ways 
the grower could use his own money to advantage since 
he is willing to let other folks use it for him. I am 
no politician, but even I Avonder at our energetic talk 
about laws, the apathy we show in getting them enacted, 
and the utter disregard we have of any provision for 
enforcing tliem if they are passed. See, this trait is in 
us all, but I am going back to fertilizers. 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 



Chapter VII 

Home Mixing 

We were speakino- of the grower considering the matter 
of mixing his own fertilizer. Personally, I place home 
mixing of fertilizers on the same level as making one's 
own furniture, tools, clothes, sugar, soap, etc. In the 
twenty-one years I liyed on the farm here in Florida 
there was no "home mixing'' or ''special mixtures'' used 
or even straight chemicals with the exception of a little 
nitrate of soda. I always did believe in taking all I 
could get for nothing. When I can get the experience 
of many people for man}- years and all the excellence 
of expert work for no addition on cost of material, I 
take it. 

Aside from the trouble that may come from improper 
combinations and proifortioiis, chemical analyses show 
that even though home mixing be done according to the 
best directions, the results are far from uniform, — that 
labor with the equipment of the farm cannot compete 
with the efficiency of a modern factory. H. C. Moore of 
Atlanta, Ga., has given this subject an extensive study. 
His compilation of analyses from crude mixing facili- 
ties is most interesting. For instance, four different 
samples of a should-be 9-2-3 formula run from 8.18 to 
15.35 per cent, available phosphoric acid, from .56 to 
2.89 per cent, ammonia, and from .43 to 3.27 per cent, of 



88 WILSON & TOOMEK FERTILIZER COMPANY 

potash. We can only imagine wliat a great number 
of samples would have shown. He rightly says "A 
planter surely cannot expect to get uniform results from 
application of such poorly mixed fertilizers." 

He calls up a further point, thai; fertilizer materials 
have such different weights they do not stay mixed unless 
properly ground and combined together. He gives the 
weight per cubic foot of some of the most common mate- 
rials as follows : Superphosphate, 00 lbs. ; blood, 30 lbs. ; 
tankage, 45 lbs.; nitrate of soda, 85 lbs.; sulphate of 
ammonia, 55 lbs.; sulphate of potash, 80 lbs. When 
merely mixed the heavier materials gradually settle 
toward the bottom. 

It is best for all users of fertilizers to learn all they 
can about ditferent fertilizer materials, and I will go 
into detail on that subject later, but such knowledge is 
necessary far more for the purpose of selecting proper 
formulas than for the creating of formulas, for when 
the ditferent materials are mixed together their action 
on each other must be considered as well as upon the 
plant and the soil. 

To my mind, there could not be a better argument 
for mixed formulas than the tank experiments carried 
on at Gainesville. From them we find a great waste of 
nitrates — greater by far when nitrate of soda was used, 
but alarming even from sulphate of ammonia. Both 
for the prosperity of the plant and for economy, it is a 
feasible conclusion that a gradually available supply is 
better than any one particular source. An exception 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 39 

to this would be in formulas carrying low content of 
ammonia, especially in cool weather when bacterial ac- 
tion is slower, but generally speaking, I would choose 
two or three sources of ammonia. 

Who knows just how much of these sources should be 
used to guard against starving periods and waste? Some 
men in the State can watch their crops and tell from 
time to time just what plant food they need, and from 
this experience can order special mixtures suited to their 
needs, but they are few. Some citrus growers pre- 
fer to feed their trees "piece meal" as it might be called, 
— a little nitrate of soda now, or perhaps some sulphate 
of ammonia, some dissolved boneblack or superphosphate 
later, and at another time some sulphate of potash. 
Some of the finest of groves are fertilized in this Avay, 
but they are not one bit finer than some other groves 
that never have had anything but straight commercial 
formulas, and the men have had a great deal of unneces- 
sary thought and execution. My contention is not at 
all that no grower knows how to feed his crops, but that 
only a few have given the matter sufficient attention to 
get the best results in this way and that these few could 
turn their time to better use financially. If, as is the 
case with many, the work is a matter of pleasure, that 
alters the matter entirely. Besides enjoying himself, 
such a man adds to the State's assets, for the greater 
number of the most successful commercial formulas come 
from just such origin and the one who buys them has 
the benefit of the other man's work. But I Avrite to the 



40 



WILSON \- TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 



great majority, — those who are particularly interested 
in the financial side of the matter. They do not have 
time or inclination to become experts in the use of jdant 
food and to attain the greatest financial success should 
be as ready to secure the benefits of expert fertilizer pro- 
duction as to use the jjroduct of other manufacturers. 




IDEAL FERTILIZERS 41 



Chapter VIII 

Effect of the Different Elements 

All forms of nitrogen are legally reekoned as ammo- 
nia, phosphorus as phosphoric acid, and potassium as 
potash. I fear an account of the exact ditference in these 
forms would be tedious, so in speaking of these elements 
I will simply call them by their trade names and not 
make nice distincti(^)ns for the sake of being chemically 
exact. 

Ammonia jiromoTes growth: phosphoric acid, general 
develoi)ment and fruiting, and potash hardens the plant 
and gives to the fruit color, Havor and firmness of tex- 
ture. All three are important in all plant functions, 
either being a constituent of or intimately associated 
with the i)rotoplasm, .which is the jelly-like substance 
just Avithin the cell walls — the real living part of the 
plant. 

Ammonia- fi>rms about sixteen jter cent, of the proto- 
plasm and "regulates the growth of the whole plant," 
Avhile "without phosphorus, protoplasm could not exist," 
and potash intluenecs the "formation and activity of pro- 
toplasm." 

Ammonia is also a "prominent constituent of chloro- 
l>hyl.** — the substance which gives the green color to 
plants, and which is so active in the "digestion" of plant 
food elements. 



42 wii-soN & too:mer fertilizer company 

Phosphoric Acid acts particularly as a catalyzer or 
digestor of other compounds, and in connection with pot- 
ash, magnesia and lime acts in the translocation of jjlant 
food. Phosphoric acid is especially essential in seed de- 
velopment and by this action tends to early maturing 
of fruit. 

Potash and lime give strength to cell walls. Potash 
is necessary in the formation of starch, sugar, and cel- 
lulose, — the fibrous part of plants, — though it is not a 
constituent of these compounds; and it is potash which 
gives the tartness so desirable in all fruit to relieve in- 
sipidity. Potash is needed for the development of flesh 
on '"^fleshy" fruits and to give this flesh ''good shipping 
qualities.-' 

Proportions — So long as right proportions are main- 
tained, the plant will develop properly however much 
(within reason) plant food it has at hand, but unbal- 
anced proportions are detrimental. 

Too great a proportion of nitrogen makes the growth 
soft and flabby and very susceptible to disease. Too 
little limits all activity, — growth of plant, blooming, or 
development of fruit, — and is likely to show especially 
in small leaves and ''ott' color,'' either a pale green or a 
more or less deep tinge of yellow. 

Too great a proportion of phosphoric acid makes the 
leaves small, profuse bloom, and the fruit mature while 
yet undersized. Too little shows in the "mottled leaf," 
scant blooming, and lack of general vigor and develop- 
ment. 



IDE AT. FERTILIZERS 43 

Too great a proportion of potash makes small foliage 
and hard, brittle wood, and cheeks prolifioness. Too 
little leaves the plant and fruit soft in texture, therefore 
susceptible to disease and decay, limits the starch or 
sugar content and causes a lack of any high color which 
may be natural to the fruit. 

Lime is used as mentioned aboye in strengthening the 
cell walls and translocation of plant food, for which it 
is most essential, but its greatest effect upon the plant 
is indirectly through establishing good soil conditions. 
We haye already taken that up except that the presence 
of lime causes a profuse deyelopment of root hairs which 
increases the plant's power to feed. 

Magnesia is closely associated with lime. It is one 
of the plant essentials, yet it is actually noxious to plants 
eyen in small quantities unless accompanied by lime in 
a ratio of about 2:1. Magnesia is important in the de- 
yelopment of seed, acts with the protoplasm in assimi- 
lating phosphates, ^nd is a constituent of chlorophyl. 
Those who wish to study this element further should 
send to United States Dept. of Agriculture, Washington, 
D. C, for Bulletin No. 1, Bureau of Plant Industry: '^The 
Kelation of Lime and Magnesia to Plant Growth." 

Sulphur is a constituent of the protoplasm and also 
of plant protein, — that is the nitrogenous compounds. 
''Its action is important," many plants using more sul- 
phur than phosphorus. 

Iron is necessary for formation of chlorophyl, though 
no iron compound is found in either protoplasm or chlo- 



44 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMTANY 

rophyl. It is highly important, but used in such infini- 
tesimal quantities ^^ature always has sufficient available 
iron at hand. Van Blvke says: ''No direct evidence has 
yet been furnished to show that the application of iron 
compounds has any beneficial effect on either color or 
yield of fruit." 

Chlorine and Sodium are not essentials to plant life, 
but are invariably found in the plant. Beyond a certain 
amount they are harmful, some crops being much more 
sensitive to their effects than others. These two elements 
combined form our common salt. 

Manganese is not an essential and is of so little im- 
portance many authorities do not mention its connec- 
tion with plant life, though a trace of it is generally 
found in all plants. In certain parts of the world (where 
lava abounds) it has been studied because its presence 
has so bad an effect on plants. It destroys the chlo- 
rophyl, disturbs the balance of other elements, especially 
decreasing the assimilation of phosphoric acid, inter- 
feres with formation of protoplasm, etc. This is fully 
explained in Bulletin No. 20, Hawaii Agricultural Ex- 
periment Station : "The Function and Distribution of 
Manganese in Plants and Soils." This bulletin can be 
obtained from United States Dept. of Agriculture, Wash- 
ington, D. C, but I can assure all that they need neither 
endeavor to build up the manganese content of their 
soil nor fear they will get too much manganese here in 
Florida. 

Fads come and go, — only our real needs endure. A 



IDEAT. FERTILIZERS 45 

few years ago there was much talk about iron; now it 
is scarcely mentioned, but some of us are almost won- 
dering how we ever grew any crops at all when so igno- 
rant of magnesia and manganese! The fact is, we do 
not want manganese, and though our soils are low in 
both lime and magnesia content, the low-grade sulphate 
of potash which carries two-thirds as mucli sulphate of 
magnesia as sulphate of potash, has supplied any needed 
magnesia, while the sulphate of lime in superphosphate 
and dissolved boneback has kept up the proper ratio 
of lime for plant food. It is not necessary that the lime 
for this purpose be basic. Properly mixed formulas 
supply all such needs. When people study the sub- 
ject thoroughly they api)reciate what one man said: 
''The man who knows enough to mix his own formulas 
knows enough not to.'' 

Common Sense is as effective in the field as in tlie 
home. Nature furnishes easy ways to preserve her bal- 
ance and it is only when man interferes too much that 
trouble comes. Did our plants have to depend upon our 
supplying the exact amounts of everything necessary, 
they would be in as bad a fix as the people who continu- 
ally try so-called scientific diets. 

Practice has shown that on our table we should have 
reasonable proportions of meat and vegetables, sweets 
and fats, and that in our fields, crops prosper when 
available ammonia, phosphoric acid and potash are added 
in proper proportions. In the carriers of these essen- 
tials and in the air and the soil are all other essentials, 



46 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

and the protoplasm, that living substance within the cell 
walls, is going to use them as the need occurs. The 
grower sometimes rebels at getting only (for instance) 
sixteen pounds of plant food in a hundred pounds of 
material, but often in that other eightv-four pounds he 
gets the very thing that he would have missed applying 
had it all been left to him, and perhaps it is a most 
important factor in his success. What is, is generally 
about right. Only a few of us could really improve ( ?) 
upon conditions were they all within our control. 




IDEAL FERTILIZERS 47 



Chapter IX 

Fertilizer Materials 

Peruvian Guano carries ammonia, pliuspliorio aeid, 
potash, and lime, which are readil}^ bnt gradually avail- 
able. It is of organic origin but so old and thoroughly 
decomposed it forms no acid by-products. It is a great 
soil builder and a valuable material for the use of 
those who Avant untreated materials of alkaline ten- 
dency. Peruvian guano carries about fourteen per cent, 
lime, which is soon left basic, being in organic com- 
pounds. 

Sulphate of Ammonia is inorganic. It is the best 
gradually available source of ammonia the citrus grower 
has at his command, and is equally valuable to truckers 
and other users of fertilizer as a source between nitrates 
and organic matter. It tends to soil acidity, which can 
be corrected by using lime. As sulphate of ammonia is 
used in mixed formulas, its acid tendency is balanced 
by the alkaline tendency of nitrate of soda. 

Nitrate of Soda is inorganic, carrying ammonia in a 
form available to plants, therefore is read}^ as soon as 
it is dissolved. It dissolves in an equal part of water, 
thus will be active when no other fertilizer material 
could reach the plant. It has an alkaline tendency. 
Loss of nitrates is serious unless there is such supply 
as to allow the plant to use them before they sink be- 
3'Ond reach of the roots. This leaching is not so rapid 



48 WILSON & TOOAIEK FERTILIZER COMPANY 

in clay lands, bnt where the entire ammonia content of 
fertilizer used on clay is derived from nitrate of soda 
the accumulations of sodium will be enough to pack the 
soil. Reasonable amounts have no deleterious effects, 
and such results never occur on open lands because 
sodium comi)ouiids leach away so rapidly. 

Nitrate of Potash is organic. The nitrate has tlie 
same properties as described in nitrate of soda, and 
the potash the same as will be shown under sulphate 
of potash, but this material does not dissolve quite as 
readily as nitrate of soda. As plants use both elements, 
nitrate of potash is a neutral compound in its action. 
It is used in many manufactures and its market price 
is far in advance of its true worth to the grower. 

Cyanamid is often called lime nitrogen. It is inor- 
ganic. Its plant food is in the form of nitrogen and 
must be changed to ammonia and then to nitrates be- 
fore it becomes available to the plant. The other part 
consists largely of lime and carbon and of some com 
pounds of iron, silicon, etc. Some cyanamids have a 
nitrate mixed with them to furnish plant food while 
the slower cyanamid is coming into availability. 

Calcium Nitrate, like cyanamid, is a combination of 
air^nitrogen with lime, but in this instance the nitrogen 
is in the form of nitrate and therefore an immediate 
plant food. Calcium nitrate, often called lime nitrate, 
is so soluble it becomes liquid when exposed to moist air. 
This is, in a measure, prevented by adding lime to a 
hot solution of calcium nitrate, making ''basic calcium 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 49 

nitrate," carrying only about 12 per cent, ammonia in- 
stead of the 15 to 17 per cent, as in the commercially 
pure calcium nitrate. In both cyanamid and calcium ni- 
trate the acid radical is used by the plant and the lime 
left as a nentralizer. 

Dried Blood is organic — a packing house by-product. 
It carries its ammonia in form of nitrogen, but the ma- 
terial is so finely divided and so congenial to bacteria it 
becomes available fully as so(m as sulphate of ammonia. 
All organic sources are soil builders, but with the excep- 
tion of Peruvian guano and tobacco stems, they are at- 
tended with more or less acidity, — animal products less 
than vegetable matter, and dried blood least of all animal 
l)roducts. 

Tankage is organic, — a packing house by-product, 
carrying both ammonia and phosphoric acid. Its am- 
monia is in form of nitrogen and is a little more slowly 
available than sulphate of ammonia. This is a valuable 
material for use in, mixed formulas with nitrate of soda 
and sulphate of ammonia. About half its phosphoric acid 
is available when applied, and the rest soon comes into 
availability through the decomposition of organic matter. 
There are, ordinarily, at least three grades of tankage 
on the market, some carrying more actual plant food than 
the others, but every particle of tankage is of value to 
the grower as a soil builder. See Dried Blood as to acid 
tendency. 

Ground Fish Scrap is organic. It carries ammonia 
and phosphoric acid in same form as tankage. It should 



50 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

never be used in the orange grove. It is a fine fertilizer 
for vegetables but greatly induces cutworms. 

Sheep Manure is organic, and carries most of its am- 
monia in the form of nitrogen. It has much the same 
effect on soil as stable manure with two exceptions: It 
has been sterilized, therefore carries no weed seeds or 
germs of fungous or bacterial diseases, and is repulsive 
to soil insects instead of attractive to them. 

Ground Bone, Raw or Steamed, is organic and carries 
ammonia and i)li()Splioric acid. The ammonia is in form 
of nitrogen. About one-tliird of the phosphoric acid is 
available at time of application, but the rest becomes 
available gradually as the organic matter decomposes. 
Bone tends to sweeten land. 

Pulverized Tobacco Stems tliough from vegetable 
source, are so dry and of such nature as to produce no 
fermentation during decomposition. They carry am- 
monia and potash in vegetable compounds that are 
especially pleasing to plant life. The nicotine content 
makes this material distasteful to worms, but only in 
quite liberal applications will this be strong enough for 
practical results. Their high cost is the great drawback 
to extensive use. 

Cotton Seed Meal is organic, carrying ammonia in the 
form of nitrogen. It is a tine fertilizer on cold wet lands, 
as its decomposition is attended by so much heat. For 
this same reason it burns crops on lighter, drier soil. It 
has a tendency toward producing coarse fibrous vegeta- 
tion and a strong attraction for soil insects. Cotton seed 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 51 

meal is expensive compared with other fertilizer mate- 
rials and really shonld be used for stock feed, as about 
ninety per cent, of its fertilizing value will be found in 
the manure, — that is, if the manure is properly saved. 

Castor Meal is organic, carrying ammonia in form of 
nitrogen. It has practically the same availability and 
value as a soil builder as cotton seed meal but is not so 
burning and is repulsive to insects, therefore is to be 
preferred as a fertilizer material. 

Dissolved Bone Black — Though this material was once 
bone, the organic matter has been entirely burned out 
and it is a strictly inorganic fertilizer. It is the same 
as superphosphate except it carries no iron and alum- 
inum. 

Superphosphate carries jJiosphoric acid in water solu- 
ble form, which is immediately fixed by chemical reac- 
tion, though still perfectly available to plants. AVhen the 
phosphoric acid is used by a plant the lime combined 
with it is left to sweeten the soil. This amounts to about 
six per cent., but about sixteen per cent, more lime is 
in the sulphate of lime intermingled with the phosphate. 
This sulphate of lime acts neither as base nor plant 
food, but brings latent plant food, especially potash, 
into availability. The lime in the sulphate also acts in 
preserving the two to one ratio between lime and mag- 
nesia. With the phosphate and sulphate of lime there 
is about one-and-a-half per cent, iron and aluminum 
which are neither beneficial nor detrimental. Superphos- 
phate is the most economical source of phosphoric acid 



52 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

at the growers' comiiiand. It furnishes phosphoric acid 
in a certainly available form and has no deleterious 
effects. This statement is backed by scientists. It 
really would be well for growers to recognize the value 
of their own state product rather than to be led by 
interested people to lay to this material ills that be- 
fall their groves. It has been seen the phosphate has 
a slight sweetening tendency, and the only way sul- 
phate of lime has an acid tendency is by cond)ining 
with soil compounds to form sulphate of potash. When 
the plant uses tlie potash the sulphuric radical is left 
to unite with another base. This is easily sui)plied 
by crushed limestone for less than a twenty-tifth of 
w^hat the potash would cost. I have previously ex- 
plained that were this base not supplied the sulphuric 
radical would take the base from weaker acids and the 
resulting acidity would not be free sulphuric acid. I 
have gone into detail about su])erphosphate because tliere 
is so much wrong inforumtion being circulated. 

Thomas Phosphate Powder ( Basic Slag) is inorganic, 
carrying phosphoric acid, about (me-third of which is 
available though not water soluble. The rest of the i)hos- 
phoric acid may become available if the soil is acid or 
very rich in humus. There is about thirty to thirty-five 
per cent, of calciuuL most of which is combined with 
phosphoric acid and silica. This will act with mag- 
nesia, but less than five per cent, is basic lime until the 
phosphoric acid is used by the plant. The iron content, 
as shown above, is of no value. The magnesia would be 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 53 

of slight value were this element not fully supplied by 
the low grade sulphate of potash, and the manganese 
would be harmful were there enough to make any dif- 
ference, but there is not, so the buyer can be assured that 
none of these elements are going to hurt or benefit him 
and reckon the phosphate powder worth just what its 
content of phosphoric acid and lime is worth to him. lac- 
ing inorganic this material is not a soil builder. It has 
an alkaline tendency. 

High Grade Sulphate of Potash is inorganic, carrying 
water soluble potash which is immediately fixed in the 
soil in form available to plants. When the potash is used 
by the plant the sulphuric radical is left to seek another 
base. Sulphate of [)otasli is practically the only source 
of potash at the citrus growers' command, but few for- 
mulas derive their entire potash content from the high 
grade. 

Low Grade Sulphate of Potash — Since several have 
written to ask, it may be well to state that ''double sul- 
phate of potash magnesia'' is simply another name for 
our old friend low grade sulphate of potash, which is the 
standard soui-ce of potash supply. This material carries 
about half as much sulphate of potash as the high grade, 
and has about thirty-four per cent, sulphate of magnesia, 
which was taken up under Fads. 

Muriate of Potash and Kainit carry potash in water 
soluble form but have a high content of chlorine. Citrus 
trees are sensitive to the ill effects of chlorine. Vegeta- 
bles generally are not. Chlorine is repulsive to soil in- 



54 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

sects. About one-third of kainit is common salt, hence 
its burning properties. 

Canada Hardwood Ashes carry a small content of pot- 
ash in most desirable form, and ab<mt 33^ per cent, basic 
lime. They are expensive as a source of plant food and 
neutralizer, but owing* to their physical form often haye 
a peculiar and beneficial eft'ect <m the soil. At times noth- 
ing else Ayill quite take the place of ashes. 

Land Plaster or Gypsum — This is sulphate of lime, 
whicli is fully described under Superphosphate. 

Acid in Fertilizers — Several letters have come to me 
asking if it is true that ''ordinary fertilizers contain from 
100 to 150 pounds of free acid in a ton." For the benefit 
of those who have not written, I will sa^^, no chemist 
would uphold such statement. Fertilizers are either neu- 
tral or practically neutral Avhen applied, and have acid 
or alkaline tendencies according to the portion — base or 
radical — used by the plant. Often the alkaline tendency 
of one material balances the acid tendency of another 
in a formula, some formulas being quite alkaline in their 
general effects. It is true that practically our only 
source of potash and only slow-acting source of ammonia 
for citrus trees have acid tendencies, but since this can 
be easily and cheaply counter-balanced by limestone, we 
need feel no concern. We also may bear in mind that 
most of our soils were acid before they ever had a pound 
of fertilizer, while as to the fertilizer, — did it contain 
free sulphuric acid, the bags, tools, and hands of the 



IDEAL FIJRTILIZERS 55 

user would all be eaten as only glass and lead can with- 
stand its attacks. 

What Makes Soil Acid? This could be answered in 
three words, — Lack of Lime, — for there is no form of 
acidity that would not be corrected l)y the presence of 
basic lime; but a list of acid-producing causes will not 
be out of place: 

Decaying of roots left wlien clearing away virgin 
growth. 

Lack of drainage. 

Turning under of green vegetation. 

Cultivating land when too wet, especially in hot 
weather. 

Burning sun on bare, moist soil. 

Natural leaching away of the small lime content com= 
men to most Florida soils. 

Leaching — ''Ammonia" leaches away as soon as it be- 
comes actual plant food unless used by plants, but the 
loss of phosphoric acid and potash is insignificant. Lime, 
sodium, and magnesia all leacli away rapidly. 



56 WILSON iS: TOO^^IEK FERTILIZER COMPANY 

Chapter X 

Plant Constituents 

Plants of all kinds, whether o^ar<len vegetables or fimit 
trees, are alike in their constituents and mode of growth. 
Though other elements are shown by chemical analyses, 
the essentials for ])lant growth have been found to be 
oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon, phos])horus, suli)hur, 
potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium ; or, as Brooks 
puts it : "Air to breathe and water to drink ; f(nir acids, — 
carbonic, nitric, phosphoric, and sulphuric; and four 
bases, — potash, lime, iron, and magnesia.'' 

Air 

Oxygen — The jHant uses oxygen in two forms: Com- 
bined oxygen which enters the i^ant through the roots in 
connection with other elements which are used in the 
form of oxides and the free oxygen of the air. This latter 
is absorbed by all living ]dant surfaces, but more abun- 
dantly by leaves and tender growing ])arts. Free oxygen 
in the soil is essential to plant life (excej^t swamp vegeta- 
tion) : Germinating seeds require an abundance and 
when roots are deprived of air the ])lauts soon suffocate 
and die. The absori)tion (^f oxygen is accompanied by a 
giving off of carbonic acid gas — a product of the breaking 
down of living matter worn out by the "energy of grow- 
ing" and of parts going to decay, as in injured tissues or 
faded flowers. This process is called ''resi)iration." 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 57 

Carbonic Acid Gas — Carbon is the element which is 
most ahiindant in the dry matter of vegetation, its 
amount being about equal to all others combined. Though 
carbon dioxid exists in great quantities in all fertile soils 
and has a far-reaching influence on fertility, the carbon 
used by plants is talcen from the carbonic acid gas of the 
air. This is absorbed by the leaves and other green tissues 
and through the action of the green matter (chloropliyl) 
under the inttuence of sunlight is combined with the 
hydrogen and oxygen of water to make starch, sugar, 
acids, oils, gums, etc., and cellulose — the substance in cell 
walls. This process of the formation of plant food from 
carbon dioxid and water and the throwing off of the un- 
used oxygen is called "photosynthesis." It is the reverse 
of respiraticm, and since the plant's activities are much 
greater in photosynthesis than in respiration, vegetation 
removTS from the air far more carbon dioxid than it 
gives off, and gives off far more oxygen than it uses, 
thereby purifying the air for animal life, which, on the 
contrary, uses oxygen in great quantities and gives off 
carbonic acid gas. 



Water 

It has been seen that the elements of water play an im- 
portant part in the formation of different vegetable com- 
pounds, but the uncombined Avater in i)lants is equally 
important. The rigidity of tender vegetation is due to 



58 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

its water content. Cut a succulent branch, and how soon 
it becomes limp and wilted ! Plants cannot carry on the 
process of growing without sufficient water content, as 
all cells must be properly extended, and, too, water must 
be the carrier of all substances within the plant. 

How Plants Feed — There are no openings into the 
roots, nor from cell to cell; all plant food, whether in 
raw or digested state, being moved in solution by osmosis 
and diffusion. Osmosis means the passing of liquids or 
gases through a membrane in accordance to Nature's law 
that the density of the divided substances be equalized. 
Diffusion means the '"spreading out" of each particular 
substance in solution to make the solution of that sub- 
stance of equal strength throughout. Much has been said 
about the plant's "power to select," but the best author- 
ities now agree in the opinion that roots have no power 
to reject anything dissolved in the soil v^^ater, regardless 
of how harmful it may be to the plant. However, plants 
grow according to definite law, each plant developing 
along the lines of its own particular family. Soil solu- 
tions are very dilute. Normally, the plant sap is denser 
than the soil water, though the sap seldom is heavier 
than one pound of solid matter to sixty gallons of water. 
While osmosis causes the more dilute solution to move to 
the denser one, diffusion tends to equalize throughout the 
solution the amount of each substance dissolved. The 
leaves (and in a lesser degree all live plant surfaces) are 
constantly giving off water — a process similar to evapora- 
tion, but called "transpiration." This tends to concen- 



TDEIAL FERTILIZERS 59 

trate the sap in these areas, therefore, the osmotic move- 
ment is (nnder normal conditions) ever upward. Plants 
vary, but it is estimated that they average to lift three 
hundred twenty-five pounds water for every pound of 
dry matter grown. Now, since the soil water must 
enter the plants with its varied solutions, it would 
seem that there were danger of harmful accumulation 
of matter not used by the plant, but here is Avhere diffu- 
sion comes to the rescue. I will quote from King: ''The 
loss of water by evaporation through the surface of the 
plant or the consumption of it as food, which tends to 
make the strength of the solution of those substances not 
used as food stronger, cannot result in a permanent in- 
crease of them in the plant, because, unless these sub-, 
stances are actually taken out of solution, they travel' 
back toward the roots again and escape into the soil 
water so long as the solution inside is stronger than is 
that outside." 

Perhaps further^ distinction should be made between 
plants using and needing different elements. Certain 
elements named under the heading ''Plant Constituents" 
are needed because the plant cannot grow without them. 
Other elements — chlorine, silicon and sodium, the first 
two forming acids and the last being a base — are in- 
variably found in plants grown under normal conditions ; 
and still other elements such as manganese sometimes 
occur. These last elements are used but are not needed, 
as the plant could grow equally well without them. 



60 WILSON & T()():MEK FEirriLIZER COMI'ANY 

The Plant 

In the foregoing the i>hint lias appeared largely as a 
lay fignre snbject to mechanical law, bnt we ninst realize 
that this is trne only to a certain extent. Life is some- 
thing none of ns can define, bnt it exists as trnly in the 
vegetable as in the animal kingdom, and we will find not 
only family bnt individnal characteristics. The grower 
is not all-poAverfnl, bnt by studying these characteristics 
and developing the good, strengthening the weak, and 
repressing the bad, he can accomplish much toward bi-ing- 
ing about ideal results. 

Plants consist of three distinct parts: roots, stem, and 
leaves. 

Stem — The stem is iirincipally a ccmnecting link be- 
tween the roots and the leaves, and a frame work upon 
which the leaves are displayed to air and sunlight; but 
more or less resj)iration and transpiration is going on 
and the surface should be kept clean of either vegetable 
or animal parasites that clog the pores (lenticels) inter- 
fering with proper functioning as well as actually ab- 
stracting support from the tissues of the host. 

Roots — While the stem grows in all its i)arts, roots 
lengthen in only a small area just behind the little hard 
cap which lu-otects the point. It is only in this new area 
that osmosis occurs, for the tissues soon become clogged. 
The plant develops these feeding roots where moisture 
and food are to be found. When it is growing rapidly they 
are more numerous and the feeding surfaces are vastly 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 61 

increased by a growth of delicate root hairs. Generally 
speaking-, a cutting or tearing of the roots works great 
damage to the plant, and every effort the plant has to 
make to push its root through compacted infertile soil 
in search of sustenance takes just so much from the net 
profit. For best results the soil must allow free root 
movement and provide the needed air and water. Roots 
take in free oxygen and give off carbonic acid gas. This 
carbonic acid gas is absorbed by tlie film of water 
around the adjoining soil grain. The water thus charged 
has great solvent powers and much natural plant food is 
in this way brought into availability. A deep, wide root 
system is of untold benefit to a plant as it gives so large 
an area from which to absorb water and with it the nour- 
ishment held in solution. To secure such a root system, 
put the soil in good mechanical condition, spread the ap- 
plied plant food in a circle reaching from not too near 
the stem out a little beyond the outermost branches and 
while the plant is young cultivate deep enough to pre- 
vent the establishment of surface roots. 

Leaves — The leaves are both the stomach and the lungs 
of a plant. Their digestive powers depend upon the green 
colo-'ing matter. Too much emphasis cannot be placed 
upon the importance of leaves being in good condition. 
Some crops require less foliage than others, but no crop 
reaches the maximum when its leaves are covered with 
parasites or are pale from starvation or because of physi- 
ological disturbances. 

Protoplasm— All parts of the plant are made up of 



62 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

cells. These cells are of different sizes and shapes accord- 
ing to the work they have to do. Tliev consist of the 
cell wall, in which is the protoplasm, a semi-liquid jelly- 
like substance surrounded by a thin, strong elastic mem- 
brane. This protoplasm is the living substance of the 
plant. In it the chemical changes take place— the break- 
ing down of different compounds ; the formation of vari- 
ous vegetable substances, — starch, sugar, etc. ; and the 
use of these substances to the plant's best advantage. 
The work within the plant is very intricate and is not 
thoroughly understood by anyone, but it Avill serve our 
purpose to consider that the soil water enters the roots, 
rises to the leaves where it is elaborated (digested), and 
returns by way of the inner bark to the different parts of 
the plant where it is needed. 




IDEAL FERTILIZERS 63 

Chapter XI 

Fertility 

Perhaps the most important lesson for the prospective 
grower to learn is that fertile soil is not an inert mass 
but, instead, is teeming with living organisms too small 
to be seen with the unaided eye but of inestimable value. 
Then he must also learn that there are other organisms 
just as ready and powerful to work against him if soil 
conditions are allowed wliicli are favorable to their de- 
velopment. These micro-organisms (called "micro" be- 
cause they are seen only through microscopes) are in- 
numerable forms of both vegetable and animal life, — 
bacteria, fungi, etc. — the bacteria having by far the great- 
est influence on agricultural conditions. 

Bacteria 

Lipman says : "In agriculture, the development of bac- 
teriology has given -us a new insight into the nature of 
soil fertility. We have learned to regard tlie soil as a 
culture medium with its almost endless number of species, 
and varieties of bacteria, specialized to do important 
work in the transformation of soil nitrogen, carbon, hy- 
drogen, and sulphur ; in the transformation, also, of com- 
pounds containing lime, magnesia, phosphoric acid and 
potash. We have learned to reckon with these organisms 
in our methods of soil improvement, and have made some 
progress toward successful systems of soil inoculation.'' 

Bacteria are the simplest and smallest forms of vegeta- 



64 WILSON & T00:MER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

tion, being one-celled plants and so tiny 25,000 could be 
placed side by side in a line an inch long. However, the 
multiplication of bacteria under favorable conditions is 
beyond our conception, and what they lack in size is made 
up in numbers. Favorable conditions fen- the develop- 
ment of one form of bacteria may be most unfavorable 
for another; the most noticeable distinction being that 
some (aerobic) require an abundant supply of air, 
while others (anaerobic) flourish where the circulation 
of air is limited. Certain conditions are unfavorable to 
all bacteria: dry sandy soils lacking in humus contain 
very few; pure clay soils are equally barren; and also 
any soil that is filled with stagnant water or that is 
strongly acid. ^lany bacteria are killed by drying, 
while others only remain dornmnt. It has been found 
that in the decomposition of vegetable matter there is 
very little bacterial action when the moisture drops below 
twenty-five per cent. 

Bacteria, like root hairs, take food by absorption 
through the cell walls, therefore, only dissolved sub- 
stances can be used. To aid in this solution the bacteria 
give off" secretions called "enzymes." Enzymes are 
strictly chemical substances which break down organic 
compounds but do not enter into combination. Organic 
matter is complex and the various changes are not fully 
understood, but either the enzymes themselves or the com- 
pounds they induce, or perhaps both, are under some cir- 
cumstances ''highly useful," but under others they are 
''intensely poisonous" because conditions govern the 



IDEAI, FERTILIZERS 65 

kinds of bacteria present. When green vegetation is 
turneil nnder or a soil is saturated witli water, '^putrefac- 
tion" and its poisonous products occur in place of the 
''decomposition'' which attends dead vegetation in an 
aerated soil. However, there are some forms of organic 
matter, which, under the most favorable conditions, pro- 
duce enough of these poisons to affect citrus trees seri- 
ously, for the citrus family is especially sensitive to the 
action of such compounds. 

Ammonifying Bacteria — The change from organic ni- 
trogen to ammonia "is accomplished by many kinds of 
bacteria, . . . some of them are aerobic, others an- 
aerobic. . . . The formation of ammonia from or- 
ganic nitrogen compounds in soils depends upon a variety 
of conditions, such as the kind of protein, the kind of 
soil bacteria, and all the physical and chemical condi- 
tions that modify or influence their activity." It is 
during these processes that the above-mentioned enzymes 
and their products occur. 

Nitrifying Bacteria — Though the change from organic 
nitrogen to ammonia is so varied and complex, ''the 
conversion of ammonia into nitric acid takes place as the 
result of two distinct bacterial chemical operations, one 
kind of bacteria being responsible for the first operation 
and another for the second ;" these two chemical opera- 
tions being the change of ammonia into nitrous acid and 
of the nitrous acid into nitric acid, in each instance by 
an addition of oxygen. These acids are immediately neu- 
tralized when there is free base present. If such base is 



66 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

not at hand the nitrifying bacteria will soon be killed by 
their own product. Van Slyke says: ''Each pound of 
nitric acid formed, calls for nearly a pound of calcium 
carbonate." ''Mtrification cannot . . . take place 
in acid or sour soils. In order that there may be no 
accumulation of free nitric or other acids in soils, it is 
absolutely necessary that there shall be an abundance 
of some basic compound which can unite with the free 
acids and form salts that do not act injuriously on 
nitrifying organisms." 

It has been seen that the change from ammonia to 
nitrous and nitric acids consists of combining oxygen 
with the nitrogen, hence it is evident that the nitrifying 
bacteria must have an abundance of air. ''Water-satu- 
rated soils prevent nitrification by shutting otf the air. 
Limited air supply is one of the important factors which 
explains the slow nitrification on heavy sod land and 
in cla}^ soils." Temperature also affects bacterial ac- 
tivity. Crops start earlier on open, well-drained soil, 
especially if they have a southerly slope, because of the 
warmth inducing a more rapid formation of nitrates. 

Denitrifying Bacteria — These are the enemies which 
flourish when by ill-advised cultivation we have dis- 
couraged the presence of the nitrifying bacteria. Nitri- 
fying bacteria can take oxygen only from the air, but 
denitrifying bacteria can break down nitrogen com- 
pounds to secure the oxygen needed for their develop- 
ment. They change nitrates to nitrites, then nitrites to 
free nitrogen which escapes into the air and leaves the 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 67 

soil impoverished to the extent of these operations. 
Some people, knowing their soil is too wet to permit ni- 
trification, apply nitrate of soda. Snch application is 
of benefit, for the plants get part of the nitrates, bnt there 
is sncli a substantial loss throngh denitrification the 
grower will find it far more profitable to secnre good 
drainage and keej) his land in proper condition. Denitri- 
fication takes place also when a large amount of green 
vegetation is plowed under. Bj such course, fertility is 
lost instead of gained. 

Fixation of Atmospheric Nitrogen — Another class of 
friendly organisms are the nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The 
ammonifying and nitrifying bacteria, though most valu- 
able in changing nitrogen to available form, do not in- 
crease the soil content of nitrogen. These little friends, 
the nitrogen-fixing bacteria, take free nitrogen from the 
air and convert it into nitrogen compounds that can be 
used as plant food. There are two classes of nitrogen- 
fixing bacteria: ''(1) Those bacteria that live in the soil 
itself, independent of the presence of growing plants, and 
(2) bacteria that are dependent upon the presence of 
certain higher plants, living and working within the 
plant roots." Those of the first class which are known 
as "non-symbiotic-' are seemingly of no great importance, 
adding little to the store of combined nitrogen. 

Those in the second class are called "symbiotic." The 
word symbiotic means "living together," but it is custom- 
ary to use this word only wlien the association is of 
mutual advantage. In this instance the bacteria give 



68 ^YILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

nitrogen compounds in exchange for sugar and other 
carbohydrates manufactured in the green leaves of their 
hosts. The bacteria enter tender roots and multiply 
rapidly. As the colony of bacteria grov>'s the root cell 
expands, forming a "nodule." These nodules yary in 
shape according to the host, but careful examination will 
[)reyent anyone from confusing them with the distorted 
roots caused by "root knot." 

Legumes — The liosts of nitrogen-fixing bacteria which 
are of i)rofit to the grower are called "legumes," and 
those which particularly interest us here in Florida are 
the cowpea, velyet bean, and beggar weed. These all, l)ut 
particularly the first two, grow on new land, and by 
their extensiye root system do much toward bringing the 
soil into good tilth. The stems and leaves have a high 
nitrogen content, and enrich the soil by this as well as 
by the addition of huuius matter if the crops are mowed 
and dried, and then disked into the land ; or if they are 
kei)t for hay or used for grazing they make most valuable 
stock food. Under suitable conditions the bacteria will 
supply at least two-thirds of the nitrogen that is in the 
tops of the plant and over half of that in the nodules on 
the roots. In other words, they will take from the air 
enough nitrogen to make the crop and to leave the soil 
richer in this element than it was before the crop was 
planted. 

Besides proper air and water content, secured by tilth 
and drainage, there are three inaiu factors in making a 
crop of legumes profitable: 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 6J) 

(1) Base, — Though some legumes make a fair growth 
on soils more or less acid, they do not develop many ni- 
trogen nodules and, therefore, are of proportionate value, 
often benefiting the land no more than any cover crop. 
Lime the land when it is not already slightly alkaline. 

(2) Fertilizer, — Apply a formula giving enough and 
not too much available nitrogen to start the plant off well, 
and plenty of phosphoric acid and potash to provide for 
full development of crop. If a large quantity of available 
nitrogen is applied, the plant and bacteria use it in place 
of the nitrogen of the air, thus the bacterial benefits are 
lost; and if too little, the plant is slow in "starting off'' 
for the bacteria have not sufficiently developed to be of 
much value until about blooming time. 

(3) Bacteria, — Each host (except those closely re- 
lated) has its si)ecial bacteria, therefore it is important 
that this particular organism be at hand. The bacteria 
associated Avith cowpeas and velvet beans seem to be 
common throughout the State, but often beggar weed does 
not get a good start the first year. This lack can be 
overcome by "inoculation," or the introduction of the 
needed germs. The surest method for this is a scattering 
over the field of soil from land wliich has grown a good 
crop of the intended host. 

This is not practical on a large scale because of expense 
of trans} )ortation, so our efforts must be confined to coui- 
mercial cultures. So far, no method of preparing such 
cultures has been devised that insures their vitality ; but 
a large percentage of tlie i)roducts of reliable manufac- 



70 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMrANY 

turers is good and tliev are well worth trying. However, 
they will not increase a crop on land already well 
"seeded" with that particular bacteria, nor will they act 
as complete fertilizer. Such claims are exaggerations. 

Drawbacks — Every good has its accompanying evil. 
Cowpeas induce root knot and should not be planted on 
land to be used for vegetables, peach trees or figs. 
Velvet beans grow so rapidly they are almost sure to 
over-run young trees despite the grower's best intentions. 
Beggar weed must be cut before it gets woody or its stems 
are extremely slow in decaying and in the meantime are 
a great annoyance. Beggar weed seems also to be a fa- 
vorite breeding place of the pumpkin bug, which is most 
difficult to control, and at times does serious damage in 
bearing groves. 

Popular Terms — Popularly speaking, the ammonifying, 
nitrifying and nitrogen-fixing bacteria are all called "ni- 
trifying bacteria." 

Other Bacteria — Lyon and Fippin say: "Certain bac- 
teria decompose some of the mineral matter of the soil 
and render it more easily available to the plant." The 
disintegration of rocks, weathering of soil, changes in 
sulphur and iron compounds, and the action of various 
organic acids including carbon dioxide, — all are results 
of bacterial life. Van Slyke mentions the products of 
bacteria, ''carbon dioxide gas, nitrous, nitric, suli>huric, 
and various organic acids," and their effects upon calcium 
and other carbonates, phosphates, magnesium, potassium, 
etc., of the soil, as well as in substances applied in the 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 71 

form of fertilizer, and says : "These statements serve to 
show that extensive and far-reaching chemical changes 
are wrought by bacterial action. It is obvious that the 
more favorable the soil conditions are for the growth of 
bacteria, the more intense will be their activity and the 
greater the changes brought about." 

Fungi 

Fungi range in size from microscopic forms but little 
larger than bacteria to immense toadstools. They are of 
much higher organism, multiplying by the production of 
spores (seeds) in place of the simple division of bacteria. 
''Many soil fungi assist in decomposing organic matter, 
especially in the earlier stages of decomposition. They 
are particularly active in acid soils in which many bac- 
teria cannot work." 

Animal Life 

Protozoa — Protozoa are one-celled organisms that in 
greenhouse conditions sometimes become so numerous 
as to destroy an' appreciable number of nitrifying bac- 
teria, but we are not likely to feel their influence in the 
field. 

Root Knot or Nematodes — The adult nematode or eel 
worm is about three-hundred ths of an inch in length. 
It punctures the roots and breeds therein, causing the for- 
mation of galls and inducing disease and decay. This 
trouble is popularly known as root knot. Eotation of 
crops and flooding the land are the only means of con- 
trol known at the present time. 



72 WILSON vt TOOMER FERTILIZKK COMl'ANY 



Chapter XII 

Insects in General 

Practically, insects can be divided into I'onr classes — 
chewing insects that may be killed with stomach poison ; 
sucking insects that nu\v be killed with contact insecti- 
cide; insects like the weevil, the habits of which make 
fumigation necessary; and others like the plant bug and 
leaf hoppers, which even to check materially take all of 
man's wit. 

The chewing insect can be distinguished from those 
which suck, by the mouth parts, the one having jaws, 
"•mandibles," that Avork sideways, and the other a snout 
for piercing vegetable tissue. The most of the insect 
damage to our crops is done by the young or larva\ 
Many are then popularly called "worms." Our cabbage 
is eaten by the 3^oung of a dainty white butterflj^; wire 
worms are the offspring of beetles ; while a fly much like 
the common house fly lays the eggs that hatch into root 
maggots. Broadly speaking, insects in the larval stage 
do us no good and do harm in i)roi)ortion to their 
number. 

If chewing insects feed in the open they can be killed 
with stomach poisons ; for this either Paris green or 
arsenate of lead is generally used. Sucking insects, com- 
mon examples of which are the apliids or plant lice of 
the garden, the different scales on various trees, and the 



IDEAL FP:RTILIZERS ' 73 

citrus whitefiy, puncture the outside tissue and feed upon 
the juices of the plant. Stomach poisons, therefore, are 
of no avail. For their control we mvist depend upon con- 
tact insecticides or fumigation. The principle of a con- 
tact insecticide is to kill the insect by entering its breath- 
ing pores, "spiracles," as they are called. The materials 
most commonly used for this purpose are tobacco, soap, 
or oil in some form. For the fumigation of ants, weevils, 
etc., bisuli>hide of carbon is generally used. It is very 
inflammable. 

The subject of fertilizing is too great to be discussed 
in full here. A few plants seem to have no preference as 
to the source of their food, while many are most suscepti- 
ble to the influence of difterent fertilizer materials. Tlie 
plant's welfare must be given first consideration, but 
often ^ye can combine fertilizing and insecticide efl'ects 
to good advantage. Connuercial fertilizer is less in- 
ducive to insect development than is stable manure, 
some forms being far more active in this way than others. 
Muriate of potash and kainit with their strong chlorine 
content tend especially to lessen insect life in all forms, 
and will do much to balance conditions made by thie 
use of stable manure; therefore they are to be preferred 
to sulphate of potash for use in connection with it. 
However, to have such material act as a direct insecti- 
cide, as against cut-worms, etc., it is necessary to make 
a heavy application on bare ground. At least 1000 
pounds of kainit should be used per acre. This can 
be put on after plowing and harrowed in, say, a month 



74 WILSON & TOOMER FKIiTILIZER COMPANY 

before planting. If rains come the potasli will not be 
materially wasted, but the salt Avill be washed away, 
leaving the soil in condition to plant crops which would 
''burn'' were kainit applied at planting time or after. 
Nearly all forms of insect life found in the soil succumb 
to the salty solution formed by rains on land dressed 
with kainit. l\oot knot is an exception, but its work can 
be slightly retarded by building up firm tissue in the 
root system through the use of commercial fertilizers 
high in potash. 

There are three particular i)oints in successfull}^ com- 
bating either insect or disease enemies of our crops. 

First, start in time. If the crop is ruined before spray- 
ing is commenced, insecticides and fungicides, however 
valuable, cannot effect its rehabilitation. 

Second, do thorough work. Spraying half done is a 
waste of time and money. 

Third, unless you have had experience try the spraying 
solution on a small area three days before spraying tlie 
crop, and watch its effects. 

In further comment on point three I would say to the 
grower who declares he has "not the time to wait three 
days," that in such case he has let his enemies get ahead 
of him. Constant vigilance is essential. When the 
grower sees a flock of chocolate-brown butterflies hovering 
over his bean patch he can turn up the bean leaves, find 
the yellow eggs, and know then he must spray soon. 
Spraying material should be purchased with his fertilizer, 
seed, and other supplies, then there is no chance to lose 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 75 

a crop by miscarriage of freight or through other delays 
beyond his control. Insects do not come suddenl}^ There 
is ample warning if the grower will but look for it. It 
generally is not nntil the second or third brood that in- 
sects become so numerous as to work noticeable damage. 

In regard to the necessity of trying the spray someone 
asks, ''Can we not depend upon your directions?" He 
must remember I am not responsible for careless weights 
or measurements. If the results given by a dozen dif- 
ferent operators measuring out ingredients be compared 
the inaccuracy of their work ^Yill be evident. In some 
mixtures this is not so important. In others, it means 
serious loss ; then, too, the foliage of the same species 
of 1)1 ant is far more tender under some conditions than 
others. 

I might add a fourth ^'pointer." Do not spray in hot 
sunshine. Often the sun heats the drops of water so as 
to scald the plant and the spraying solution gets the 
blame. 

Friends or Enemies 

The natural enemies of our enemies do much toward 
keeping them in check. Each larva has its parasite, per- 
haps animal, perhaps vegetable, each parasite has other 
parasites until it seems strange the insect world is not 
entirely destroyed, but because of Nature's most delicate 
balance, the different combatants, when under natural 
conditions, keep in about the same proportion. Man dis- 
arranges this balance, therefore it is most essential that 



76 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

he knows which are his friends, which his enemies, in 
order that this interference may be tnrned to his advan- 
tage. Without going into deep study, we can safely con- 
sider insects resembling bees and wasps onr friends ; flies, 
butterflies, moths, ants and grasshoppers onr enemies; 
while beetles are divided, though the greater number are 
against us. 




IDEAL FERTILIZERS 77 

Chapter XIII 

Diseases in General 

One cannot fail to be impressed with the number of in- 
sects and disease troubles that may occur. He is almost 
inclined to feel despair in ever producing the crops when 
there is such an array of enemies awaiting him. But he 
should consider the matter in two ways : First, it is as 
impossible for all or eyen a small percentage of these 
troubles to attack a single crop as for one person to suffer 
from all the diseases common to the human family; sec- 
ond, that there is a preventive or remedy for nearly every 
trouble mentioned. Shutting one's eyes to evil does not 
overcome it. The best policy is to recognize all draAV- 
backs and either avoid them or stamp them out. 

Most plant diseases are caused by parasitic fungous 
or bacterial growth. We can imagine a fungus as a tiny 
plant, the spore ,or seed of which lodges upon a leaf, 
fruit or twig and sends out "roots'' which enter the pores 
and make their way through the cells of the inner tissue, 
feeding upon the elaborated sap, taking the nourishment 
prepared for the plant's own use and clogging and dis- 
arranging the cells, causing disease and death to the 
attacked area. On the surface the fungus develops and 
produces quantities of otiier spores which are carried 
by dew, rains, winds, insects, etc., to other points Avhere 
further infection can take place. Potato blight is a good 
example of this. The control of such diseases is based 



78 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILi;^.ER COMPANY 

entirely upon so coating the surface of uninfected vege- 
tation with Bordeaux mixture or other fungicides that 
when tlie spores fall upon it they are killed. This ex- 
plains the need of thorough spraying. Unsprayed por- 
tions are as readily affected as though the rest of the 
plant were also unprotected. As long as new leayes are 
forming it is necessary to spray every ten days or two 
weeks until the disease is eradicated, even when the most 
favorable conditions prevail. Dry, sunny Aveather is 
against fungous growth, while cloudy, wet weather favors 
it. Hence, during cloudy days diseases spread more rap- 
idly. If Bordeaux mixture has time to dry thoroughly 
before the rain falls it will be quite resistant to washing 
effects. This is true of other sprays to a great extent, 
but even if the fungicide used is washed off, it has killed 
myriads of spores which Avould have infected new areas. 
Spraying must not be delayed because of rainy Aveather. 
There are four distinctions for the grower to make 
when considering fungi, these being based upon the hosts 
necessary for their establishment. The class I have men- 
tioned attack living vegetable tissue and are our "ene- 
mies," in that they Avork against us, but there are also 
''friendly'' fungi, so called because they liA^e only on 
animal tissue and by becoming established upon and 
killing our insect enemies, scale, Avhitefly, etc., they Avork 
to our advantage. Another kind of "noxious" fungi 
exists in our groves and gardens Avhich can liA^e upon 
dead and decaying matter, but Avhen such matter is a 
weak or dead part of a live liost the toxine, that is, the 



IDEAL FEKTILIZEKS 79 

poisonous fluid, created by the action of the fungus will 
cause further death and decay until there is practically 
no dift'erence in its effect and the effect of the fungus 
first mentioned except it must have a point for entrance. 
Citrus ''v.ithertip" and lettuce "drop'' are common ex- 
amples of the third class. In the fourth class are the 
''damping-off" fungi, of which there are several varieties. 
These live on decayed matter in the soil, but they are 
more virulent than those preceding, as they can attack 
perfectly healthy young seedlings of many plants. They 
enter the stalk at or near the surface of the ground, either 
starting decay there at once or clogging the water pas- 
sages so the top of the plant wilts and topples over, after 
which decay rapidly sets in. Whole seed beds are thus 
attacked so suddenly that often the grower can do noth- 
ing to save his plants after the trouble first appears; 
therefore he should guard against it. Laud known to be 
subject to damping-off' should not be used for a seed-bed. 
Seed-beds should always be well drained and the soil 
kept aerated by constant stirring. Dry sulphur s])rinkled 
on the surface and lightly scratched in is a good pre- 
ventive. A spray of weak ammoniacal copper carbonate 
solution is also effective if given in time. 

Bacteria differ from fungi in that they live wholly 
within their host, clogging the passages and thereby pro- 
ducing death and decay. Since they are entirely within 
the plant, spraying is ineffective. The entrance is often 
made through tender roots and the disease carried over 
the field by the feeding of insects from plant to plant. 



80 WILSON & TOOMEK FERTILIZER COMPANY 

Bacteria are tiny one-celled plants and mnltii>lv by 
di\dsi()n8 instead of by a '^frniting" or a "vegetative'' proc- 
ess.. Wiiile the si)ores of a fnngns represent the seeds 
of a plant or perhaps a mass of "slips'' in a strong pro- 
tecting case, the bacterium has but one spore, and that 
is itself, with such covering as to make it practically 
nnatfected by uncongenial surroundings, but sensitive 
to a favorable condition upon the arrival of which it 
"springs to life'' and multiplies with incredible rapidity. 

The "resting" si)ores of both fungi and bacteria are 
often longlived. They remain longer in land allowed to 
"lie out'' than in that worked and planted to crops not 
favorable for their development. But often Avhen we 
think the land is lying out to eradicate some insect or 
disease trouble it is growing weeds to help develop the 
trouble we are Avisliing to overcome. There is no reason 
why land should be allowed to lie out. It can rest just 
as well by raising a suitable croj) and with far more 
profit to its ovrner. 

But besides the attacks of fungi and bacteria there 
are diseases Avhich are physiological, troubles brought on 
by uncongenial surroundings, either in soil, moisture 
supply, temperature, wrong fertilization or ill-advised 
cultivation or several of these factors combined. These 
diseases are the least understood and there is perhaj^s 
no more promising field for the scientist than in their 
study. Plants have an individuality and those of the 
same kind vary as to their sensitiveness to surroundings. 
The well-developed seed from a vigorous plant produces 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 81 

an individual more hardy in every way than the seed 
which can barely germinate. Good seed will bring re- 
sults in a field as markedly as will good blood in a herd 
of cattle. The hardy young jjlant will have a much better 
chance for its life than its weaker brother, for being 
unable to change their environment they must do the 
best they can with the conditions provided by the weather 
clerk and the grower. Generally speaking, though, the 
grower can to an extent overcome weather disadvantages. 
But suppose the grower fails to do his part ; suppose the 
ground is water soaked and sour and the moisture con- 
stantly passing into the plant or tree is laden with poi- 
sonous substances. Is it strange that a ''digestive" dis- 
turbance takes place? Or, suppose the materials con- 
taining the plant food create such conditions or the 
ground is so hard the roots are restricted in their de- 
vel()})ment, and therefore fail to furnish the right amount 
of nourisliment; or, sui)i)ose there is comparatively no 
available nourishment at hand, or that the roots have 
been bruised and torn by deep cultivation and through 
the drying out following that cultivation are left with 
no moisture within their reach. Will not some disar- 
rangement or ''breaking d()v>ir' be likely to occur? Die- 
back in the citrus grove and white-bud of corn and straw- 
berries are such instances. When the plant becomes 
weakened physically its enemies seem to hasten to take 
possession and only by strict attention can normal con- 
ditions be established. Sanitation is as essential in the 
field as ill the home. 



82 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 



Chapter XIV 

Spraying 

Since too much emphasis cannot be laid upon this 
point, I will repeat: Careless spraying is a waste of 
time and money. 

How to Spray — Cover the foliage with a thin film and 
stop just at the point w^here drops would be formed to 
run off. An excess wastes the spray, leaves the surface 
unprotected since the solution runs off instead of form- 
ing a film, and perhaps causes injury to the plant tissues 
at the points where drops hang suspended instead of 
falling, for when thus evaporated there is often enough 
of the concentrated solution to ''burn" the vegetation. 

Where to Spray — Study the insect or disease which is 
to be controlled and direct the spray accordingly. If 
the attacked area is the under surface of the leaves great 
care must be taken to have the work effective. 

When to Spray — Never spray liquid in hot sunshine, 
as the leaves are often injured by the moisture being so 
heated as to scald them. This is also likely to happen if 
a light shower comes just after the spraying and the sun 
comes out hot for several hours afterward. While one 
cannot foresee the weather with certainty, he can gener- 
ally judge it quite accurately for a few hours in advance. 
The ideal condition for spraying is a slightly cloudy day 
with a light breeze which will rapidly dry the foliage, 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 83 

for when once dry the spraying solution is not so readily 
washed off. Arsenate of lead, Bordeaux mixture and 
Yothers' Formula No. 3, an insecticide, a fungicide and 
a contact insecticide, respectively, are especially able to 
withstand weather conditions when once dried on the 
foliage. 

Dust spray should be applied to dew-wet foliage when 
there is little or no air stirring. A slight misty rain 
after application is of benefit. During damp, rainy 
weather fungous growth develops much more rapidly, 
and fields should be sprayed oftener than in dry seasons. 

What Form of Spray — Extended experiments have 
proved the wet spray to be the more effective. Where 
there is no local reason against it, I advise Avet spray in 
practically all instances except for rust mite on citrus 
trees, mildew on beans, the cotton caterpillar and the 
corn-bud worm. The first because the dry sulphur is 
effective against the rust mite and not so active against 
the friendly fungi ; the second, because the dry spray 
destroys mildew and it can be applied in the morning, 
when other work in the bean fields cannot be done, thus 
saving valuable time; the third, because it is so econom-- 
ical in labor since the slight dust jarred through the bags 
by the mule's movement is sufficient ; and, fourth, because 
a tiny pinch of powder to each bud will do the work and 
a spray pump would be wasteful of both labor and mate- 
rial. In many gardens Avhere team work is not used the 
dry spra3^s are more economical because of the saving 
of labor in carrying so much water. Such factors must 
be taken into consideration. 



84 WILS(^N & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMrANY 

How Much Spray — The answer to tliis question de- 
pends upon the spraying machine and the oi)erator, also 
upon the size of the plants or trees. Fifty gallons per 
acre is considered an average amonnt of wet spray to be 
nsed where the croj) is set in rows, like Irish potatoes; 
or one hundred gallons where the vines cover the ground, 
like watermelons. In the Maine Experiment b>tation they 
used from six to ten i>ounds per acre of dry spray with 
far better results from the latter, though from the plot re- 
ceiving the ten-pound ai)plication the yield of potatoes 
Avas only about three-fourths that of the plot receiving 
the fifty -gallon wet spray. It is estimated by one grower 
that a citrus tree seven feet high by seven feet wide will 
need two gallons of spray, one 10 x 12, four gallons, and 
one 14x18, ten gallons, while another valued friend al- 
lows 750 gallons of si)ray i)er acre of large bearing trees. 

As to dust spray — A prominent grower says that he 
used in two applications 1500 pounds of sulphur and 
lime dust on twenty acres of young grapefruit trees, and 
that out of 2000 boxes of fruit did not have over one box 
of russets. He used a dust blower run by an engine, and 
estimated the labor cost him about |10. He says the 
extra value of his bright fruit (10 cents per box) more 
than paid for the spraying outfit, spraj' and cost of appli- 
cation. 



IDEAL FERTILIZERS 85 

Ideal Fertilizers 

Best 

To gain a place on onr regular list a forninla must not 
only i)roduce results, but results with a profit. The 
user of fertilizer considers the effect on his i)ocketbook 
the REAL result. 

IDEAL FERTILIZER produces the right effect, for 
it works with Nature. The preference of each class of 
vegetation for its source of plant food is carefully studied, 
as well as the proper proportions to give perfect balance 
— no lack, no waste. 

With proper application of proper food, vegetation out- 
grows diseases and insects to a great extent, and being 
strong and vigorous, produces fruit that is pleasing to 
the eye and palate and brings financial returns that are 
gratifying to the grower. 

Do not lose the maximuin profit due you by poorly bal- 
anced plant food from inii)roper sources, IDEAL stands 
for PROFIT. 

Cheapest 

With our long experience on the market with fertilizer 
materials in all parts of the world and ample capital to 
bu}^ in great quantities at the most favorable times, and 
to obtain all concessions given for strictly cash sales, 
we buy our materials at the lowest possible prices. 

Two of the leading railroads have laid their tracks to 
our factory and any ship that can cross the St. Johns 
bar can unload at our dock, so whether we buy at home 
or abroad, we secure the lowest freight rates, and deliv- 
erv is made at our door. 



86 WILSON & TOOMER FERTILIZER COMPANY 

Our factory is equipped throughout with labor-saving 
devices, therefore our fertilizer is handled at minimum 
cost. 

Our trade is so immense that the office expenses are 
much less per ton than is possible in a smaller business. 
Our every condition is favorable for economy and we give 
you the benefit. While we make the BEST, Ave can and 
bo sell the CHEAPEST. 

Our Factory 

Is located on Idealia Point, in the eastern suburb of the 
city, on deep water. All vessels that can cross the bar 
can tie up at our dock, and we have rail connections to 
all parts of the Southern States. It is the largest and 
most modern factory in the South. Our main building 
is 400 X 230 feet and is supplied with the latest and best 
machinery for grinding and mixing. We have our own 
electric power plant. We are prepared to supply your 
wants quickly in any quantity that 3^ou may desire. 

Eemember that in buying Ideal Brands they are fully 
guaranteed and you know exactly what materials are 
used in their manufacture. 

Insecticide Department 

We carry all standard insecticide and fungicide ma- 
terials, also the most effective and durable implements 
for application. Write for anything you want. 

INFORMATION : We are prepared to give practical 
directions for condniting insect and disease troubles. 
Tell us all about it, and if science has discovered or 
practice developed a method of control, the information 
is at your command. 



APR 19 1913 



